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morgana-larkin · 3 months ago

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Chapter 16 of just tired pls pls pls

Ask and receive anon! I honestly got distracted by this Scottish ginger on supernatural, Rowena, and of course stayed up until 3am reading all the Rowena x reader fics on AO3. But here it is and left it on a major cliffhanger, you’re welcome. Not edited in the slightest and I hope you like it!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26

Just Tired - Part 16

Warnings: Manipulative Relationship (mentioned), fear of intimacy and abandonment (mentioned), Smut

Words: 3.5k

“I don’t understand why you aren’t staying the night.” She tells you as she watches you get dressed.

“Because I don’t have all my stuff with me first of all, and second, we both know if I stay the night then we won’t get much sleep as I’ll keep getting distracted by these.” You tell her as you walk towards her and touch her boobs.

“I still don’t see the problem.” Melissa says as she has her hands on your waist.

“Come on, you don’t want to sleep with someone. You have the freedom to have a whole bed to yourself instead of sharing it with someone.” You say and she looks down. “What is it?”

“I like cuddling but Joe didn’t like it.” She tells you and she looks back up and you look into her eyes.

“Damnit.” You say after a sigh. “I’ll stay. These are two powerful weapons.” You tell her as you point to her eyes.

“They’re just my eyes.” She simply says.

“Yes, they’re very pretty and they shine brighter when you’re happy.” You tell her and she smiles as she rests her head on your stomach.

“Come on, I’ll feed you.” She says as she puts on a robe and you put on a shirt. “You’ll need the fuel with what I have planned for later.” She says and you arch your eyebrows.

You both go downstairs and she gets all the ingredients out to make some food. You watch as she moves around the kitchen with ease. You love how a kitchen is her happy place, how happy she is when she’s in her element. She glances at you every so often and she smiles. You feel a little fuzzy feeling in your stomach every time she smiles at you and you can’t help but smile yourself. You don’t fully understand the power this woman has over you but you don’t mind either, you’ll just go with what you’re feeling.

“So are you talking with anyone yet?” She asks you after a few minutes and you look at her in confusion. “From the dating apps.” She clarifies and you nod.

“A couple girls, nothing much though.” You tell her. “Girls have always been finicky and complex. I’m a girl and I’ve been dating them for like 7 years and I still never understand girls.” You tell her and she chuckles.

“Men are much simpler because you know what they want as they’re very forward about that. With girls, they beat around the bush.” Melissa tells you and you hum. “Take me for example, we’ve known each other for what, 6 weeks?” She asks and you nod. “You still don’t fully understand me.” She says.

“Well you’re not exactly a good example.” You say and she looks at you. “Toxic relationship aside, you’re the most complex person I’ve ever met.” You say and she chuckles.

“Well having 8 younger siblings would do that to ya.” She says and you smile. “By the way, where are you from?” She asks. “I know you’re not from Philly but you’ve never mentioned where you grew up.” She says.

“I’m Canadian.” You tell her and she looks at you. “I’m from this place called Niagara Falls, it’s near Toronto. It’s about a 7 hour drive from here.” You tell her and she hums.

“Never woulda guessed you’re Canadian. Although you’re incredibly nice so I guess not too surprising. I thought Canadians were very accepting of gay people, did you just get the only parents that didn’t?”

“Pretty much.” You tell her.

“You’re quite a way from home. Not only did you travel to a different city, but a different country.” She says and you nod. “Got a question for you, out of all the different schools you could have worked out, why Abbott?” She asks you.

“Well I was looking to move to Philly as they have like the best food ever, and Abbott was the first school to give me a job.” You explain and she nods.

“Philly does have really good food.” She agrees.

“Haven’t had the chance to try any yet.” You say. “Been too broke to get takeout or buy something at a restaurant. But since I got checks coming in, hopefully I can get some soon.”

“You free tomorrow?” She asks and you nod.

“Yes, why?”

“For lunch tomorrow, I’m bringing you to Danny Wok’s. He makes the best chicken in all of Philly.” She tells you.

“I don’t have enough money for that yet. I just have enough for all my essentials and nothing else.” You tell her. “Like if I forget my lunch then I’m fucked.” You say.

“You just got ice cream earlier today.”

“That’s an essential, specially since I’m about to start my period.” You tell her and she snorts.

“I’ll buy something for ya. His chicken is something you have got to try.” She tells you.

“What? I don’t need you buying me anything. I’ll just try it when I have the money, in about 3-5 paychecks.” You tell her and she shakes her head.

“I’m taking you there tomorrow and I’m buying you something.” She tells you sternly.

“How do you even have the money to have a life? I mean you get the same paycheck I do.” You ask her.

“It’s called buying a house with your partner and sharing the bills. Although this month I ain’t giving him any money, but I am giving some to Barb. But that means that I can indulge a bit.” She tells you with a smile. “And don’t even think about saying no cause you know you can’t win against me.” She says and you sigh.

When night comes, she gives you some clothes to use as pjs and gets you to lay close to her in bed.

“Are you in the mood to be the little or big spoon tonight?” You ask her.

“I want to hold you.” She says and you nod as you turn around from her and she brings your body close to hers and wraps an arm around you. A few minutes later she must think you’re asleep as she gives you a gentle kiss on the top of your head and tightens her hold on you. “I don’t think you understand the power you have on me.” She whispers and then sighs. “I hope you have nothing but sweet dreams.” She whispers softly.

The next day, as promised, she brings you to Danny Wok’s at lunchtime.

“What is that amazing smell?” You ask as soon as you step in.

“That is the smell of the best chicken ever.” She tells you and you look at the menu on the wall behind the counter.

“What do you recommend?” You ask her and she thinks about it.

“Get a container of the chicken, you won’t regret it.” She tells you and you nod.

“Maybe we can share then.” You tell her.

“Are you kidding? I’m getting my own.” She says with a smile and walks up to the counter.

She orders for the both of you and then pays. You each get a container a couple minutes later and you thank them before you both walk out. You walk to a park close by and find a picnic table to sit at to eat.

“Try some, I want to see your reaction.” She says and you open the container and look at the chicken. You pick a piece up and take a bite. The flavour really hits your tastebuds and you let out a moan.

“That is amazing chicken, oh my god.” You say and you look at Melissa whose cheeks are red and she’s staring at you. “Something wrong?” You ask as she doesn’t say anything.

“No, just, your moans are distracting.” She tells you and you chuckle.

“You’d think you’d be used to them by now.” You tell her.

“Are you used to it when I moan?” She asks and you shake your head.

“But that’s different, you’re so sexy and your voice is beautiful.” You tell her.

“And what makes you think I don’t think the same thing about you?” She asks before she takes a bite. “The thing about you is you don’t think people mean what they say.” She tells you.

“It’s hard to think people tell the truth when they give you compliments when they end up leaving you.” You say and she looks at you.

“Well here’s the thing, you tried pushing me away but I’m still here, so trust me when I say that you’re very attractive and very distracting.” She says and you smile shyly. “By the way, I was reading up on something called fear of intimacy and it fits you. The reason I came across it was because I asked Google about people who fear getting close to people.” She tells you. “But I think you also have a fear of abandonment there as well.” She adds.

“And what does this have to do with anything?” You ask her.

“Well there is a way to treat it.” She says.

“I’m still not getting the point.”

“If you want an actual connection and relationship with someone instead of pushing them away then there’s a way to do that.” She tells you. “You don’t have to but if you want then I’ll be here if you need anything.” She tells you and you look at her.

“Do you think I should?” You ask her.

“I’m not telling you what to do but I think living with the fear that everyone will leave you is so incredibly lonely. Like even if you’re out with a friend you’re still worried about when they’re going to leave you and not enjoying it to the full extent.” She tells you and you look down.

“And what if I don’t want to change?” You ask her.

“Then you don’t.” She says. “But you‘ve already told me that you want to.” She adds and you hum. “By the way, totally unrelated but can I ask you something?” She asks and you nod.

“Have you ever had a threesome?” She asks you and you raise your eyebrows high. “I matched with this girl and she said she wouldn’t mind having a threesome with me and another girl. I just don’t know what they’re like or what to say.”

“I’ve had one only once.” You tell her. “It was with 2 girls and it was pretty good. Since you’re a switch and trying out different things then you might actually enjoy trying it out.”

“Would you like to do it with me?” She then asks and you widen your eyes.

“You want me to have a threesome with you and this girl?” You ask her and she nods before she gets her phone out and shows you a picture of her. “Oh she’s hot.” You say as she shows you a picture of a ginger who’s 30.

“I want to try but I want at least one person there that I’m already comfortable with, which is you. But only if you want, I wouldn’t force you or anything.” She says and you think about it.

“Sure, I’m down.” You say and she looks taken back.

“Wait, really?” She says and you nod.

“Get to sleep with two hot gingers.” You say and she smiles. You’re pretty sure you only said yes because of the hot ginger in front of you and not because of the other one, I mean how could one say no to Melissa? “What’s the girl’s name?”

“Avery.” She says and you nod.

“Not as beautiful as Melissa.” You say and Melissa does a shy chuckle.

“You think my name is beautiful?” She asks you.

“I know it’s beautiful.” You tell her.

“Thank you.” She tells you and you smile and nod. “So what are you dressing up as for Halloween?”

“I’ll just re-wear last year’s costume, a sexy police officer.” You tell her and you see her eyes go black.

“You can’t wear that to school though.” She tells you.

“I’ll wear leggings and it’ll be fine. It’s not that low in the front, it’s mostly short in length.”

“Alright.”

“What are you dressing up as?” You ask her.

“You know that sexy redhead from Aquaman?” She asks.

“The one Amber Heard played?” You ask and she nods. “You’re going as her?” You ask and she nods again. You just stood there with your mouth open as you contemplate if you’ll survive Halloween if she’s going in that costume.

“Cat got your tongue?” She asks with a smile as she takes in your expression.

“Are you wearing the green outfit and the crown?” You ask and she nods.

“What other outfit of hers would I wear?” She asks with a smirk and you just stare at her.

“I don’t know how I’ll be able to concentrate knowing you’re in that costume and just across the hall.” You tell her and she chuckles.

“Maybe I don’t want you to concentrate.” She says so casually. “Speaking of which…are you up for a little fun tonight?” She asks you as you feel her run her foot up your leg. “Or right now?” She adds after a second.

“Let me just see if my roommate is home.” You say and get your phone out. Melissa wasn’t making it easy for you as she took her heel off and kept moving her foot up and down your leg.

You: U home right now?

Hallie: No, out with friends for the afternoon

You: Ok, just curious

Hallie: Have fun with the redhead

“She’s not home and won’t be for a few hours.” You tell her.

“Ok, let’s go.” She says as she puts her heel back on and stands up. You get up as well and follow her to her car.

She drives to your place and you both run inside as you’re both turned on. You both get to your room and she throws you onto your bed before straddling your lap. She surges forward and kisses your lips and you let out a moan.

“Just a kiss makes you moan?” She asks with a smirk and you shrug before she trails down to your neck. While kissing your neck she unbuttons your blouse and then takes it off before unclipping your bra and ripping it off.

“You’re so impatient.” You tease and she pulls back and winks at you. She then looks at you half naked underneath her and she bites her lip at the sight. “Like what you see?” You ask her and she nods her head with a smile.

“I also like that I can do what I want to you and you don’t seem to ever complain.” She says and you go to the hem of her shirt and she lets you take it off.

You then unclip her bra and take it off before you feel all over her chest and stomach. You take a nipple in your mouth and she throws her head back with a moan. You move your hands all over her back and hips and she’s moaning on your lap and you feel her start to squirm. She then pushes you so you’re on her back and she’s looking at you with lust filled eyes. Before she can do anything, you flip the both of you over so that you’re on top and she lets out a yelp of surprise. You go to bring your hand under her pants and underwear but she flips you both over so she’s back on top. She doesn’t pay attention to her surroundings and you both end up falling off the bed. Melissa opens her eyes and sees that she’s fully on top of you and you’re looking at her with a smile.

“You didn’t have to get us to fall off the bed to stay on top.” You joke and she looks at you confused before she starts laughing.

“You take nothing seriously.” She says and you shake your head. “Hm, I like that about you.” She tells you and then she trails her hand down and goes underneath your pants and underwear. She runs a finger through your folds and you buck your hips. “You’re so wet, do you know how hot that is to me?” She asks as she keeps running a finger through your folds and you can’t pay attention to what she’s telling you. She then takes her finger off of you and you look at her. “I’m going to fuck you until you come, and then I want you to eat me out, got it?” She asks and you nod. “Good.” She says and then sticks a finger in your entrance and you gasp.

She sticks another finger inside of you and it slides in easily and she starts pumping in and out of you. She’s able to angle her hand so her palm is rubbing your clit at the same time and you gasp out at the sensation. It only takes a few seconds until you feel your orgasm start to build and you feel all over her back.

“Melissa, I’m close.” You say and let out a small whimper and dig your nails into her back.

“You’re so hot like this, underneath me and at my mercy, needing me to make you come.” She says and she feels you clench around her fingers and then you come with a gasp. She places kisses all over your neck and chest as you catch your breath and then she pulls out of you. She licks her fingers clean of your juices and she sees that you’re watching her do that and she lets out a moan to spur you on.

“Get on the edge of the bed.” You tell her, and she can tell that was a command, not a request.

She smirks before she gets off of you and sits on the edge of the bed. She then helps you take her pants and underwear off and you look at her completely bare. She spreads her legs for you and you see her soaked pussy before you look up at her face and see mischief in her eyes. You have to admit that the sight makes you wet beyond belief and Melissa can tell.

“Why don’t you take the rest of your clothes off before getting on your knees?” She asks and then she leans back on her forearms and watches as you strip.

You then get on your knees and run a finger through her folds and she lets out a small moan. You lean forward and place a kiss on her clit before you run your tongue through her folds. She lets out a small squeak and you think she sounds adorable. You keep running your tongue up and down her folds and she lets out a groan and you can tell you’ve teased her long enough before you slip your tongue in her entrance. She tilts her head back as it feels good to have something in her entrance and she lets out a moan. You slip your tongue in and out a few times before you move up to her clit and begin sucking and licking it. Your chin and mouth is covered in her juices at this point and you watch as her mouth is open and eyes shut as she feels all the sensations you’re giving her.

You reach up and cup both of her boobs and her eyes snap open and sees you looking at her. You start playing with both of her nipples while also sucking and licking her clit and she falls on her back. She starts letting out the most beautiful sounds and you can’t help but get very wet. You remove your dominant hand from her breast and bring down in between your legs and you start circling your clit. You start letting out moans and gasps and that gets Melissa’s attention and she’s able to lean back on her forearms. She gets a good look at you and sees that one of your hands is not on her.

“Is-is pleasing me…turning you on?” She asks you and you nod. She lets out a chuckle before she shifts her weight on one of her forearms and grabs your hair with the other. “You can come after I do.” She says and you let out a whimper. “Luck-luckily for you, I feel it coming.” She says breathlessly and tightens her hold in your hair.

She lets out a squeak as she’s right at the edge and then she falls back as she comes. You then lick her juices up before you come. You get up on shaky legs and go to get a towel to clean you both up. After you clean both of you, Melissa and you get comfortable on the bed and she wraps her arms around you and strokes your head as you nuzzle her head in her chest. You’re right on the brink of sleep when you mumble something and Melissa looks at you.

“What was that, hon?” She asks softly and freezes as the words you say.

“I love you.”

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#melissa schemmenti x reader #melissa schemmenti x oc #melissa schemmenti x you #melissa schemmenti fanfic #melissa schemmenti #x reader #fanfic #lisa ann walter #law #abbott elementary

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fandomscombine · 7 months ago

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Maybe This Time

Aaron Hotchner x Reader

BG: Aaron Hotchner has been a constant in your life since university and as you both journey in your prosecutor career. But what happens when he has been given the opportunity of his dreams to be part of the BAU on the other side of the country? How will your dynamic change? Especially when feelings are put into the mix.

Fluff part for now, before the angst. Enjoy the build up, young Hotch and obliviousness to feelings.

A/N: First ever Aaron Hotchner fic since something clicked in my brain and this man has me in a chokehold. Okay when I started writing this, I was at the beginning of Season 4 of Criminal Minds after a year long hiatus (aka didn’t have Disney+), so please excuse if it’s a bit out of character and that it doesn’t align with canon. No Haley and Jack. Let me know what you think!

Inspired by the song Maybe This Time by Sarah G and a line from Ugly Betty lol.

WC: 1428

>>>GENERAL MASTERLIST<<<

>>>CRIMINAL MINDS MASTERLIST<<<

The problem with having a constant is that you don’t realize how much it means to you until something threatens it to change it.

You’re coming up to two years working at the prosecutor’s office, the feeling of helping people and solving cases is what fuels you. Though you admit, there are days where this isn’t enough to block out the misogynistic atmosphere of the office. In all honesty, you don’t think you would have lasted as long in such an environment if it weren’t for Aaron Hotchner.

What started as an academic rivalry turned into being inseparable. Nerds with an overwhelming drive to fix the world. It was actually Aaron who offered the olive branch - admitting that while the constant competition and pettiness helped him be the best self on paper, was straining his mental and physical well-being. Turns out you both have a lot in common - same taste in literature and surprisingly dead-pan humor. The man’s ability to drop unexpected one-liners is beyond you, only to be topped by his laugh albeit rare.

A genuine Aaron Hotchner chuckle easily fills an entire room as if you’re floating on a cloud - a laugh that is quite the opposite to what he just left out.

“What?”

“Yes! Can you believe it?” Aaron exclaims, releasing his hold on your shoulders. “There’s an opening at the Behavioural Analysis Unit - nothing permanent yet but they’re looking into a pool for the perfect candidate and I’ve been shortlisted!”

The training program at the BAU lasted 3 months and in that span, the excitement during the first few weeks had you and Aaron in constant communication despite him being across the country in Quantico. But as the weeks went on, the calls dwindled until there were none at all.

You were proud of your best friend, you truly are - having found an advancement in his career. Though you can’t shake off the empty feeling in your chest. You catch your mind often thinking about him lately - more than a friend should.

What is happening to you?

Aaron has been more than grateful to have this opportunity. Working under the mentorship of the BAU founders, Aaron knew coming in that the cases would be grueling. He's barely gotten a good 8 hours of sleep since he’s arrived but the nightly calls with you updating about his day was the only thing keeping him on powering through, channeling back to your school rival days. Well, at least then he would get to see your face daily - now all he has is the photo he has in his wallet.

“Suck it, Hotchner! Bow down to your superior!”

“Never!”

“Says the Magna Cum Laude to the Summa Cum Laude. Face it - it’s in writing for the world to see!” You teased, it was always a blast to have Aaron red. There was no way you were gonna let this down and Aaron knew that - charging at you before you could finish.

“Y/N L/N is smarter than Aaron Hotch-NERRRRRRRR!” Aaron picking you up and spinning caught you by surprise - hands instinctively looping around his neck.

Neither of you notice the clicking of a camera, too enclosed in your own little world.

“You’re one lucky man.” The comment breaks Aaron from his trance.

“Sir?”

“Your girlfriend, I notice you step out and look at it whenever you’re stressed” Rossi says matter of factly, patting Aaron’s shoulder. One doesn’t have to be a profiler to notice that yearning on Aaron’s face. “You know the job takes a toll on everyone and it’s rare to see the lightness after a while.”

Aaron didn’t know how to react, his stare continued even after his boss had left. Girlfriend. His brain had momentarily stopped working when he heard of the word. Someone had thought you were his girlfriend - he didn’t correct them, and it felt good.

Ever since Rossi’s comment, Aaron has been teetering back and forth about his recent discovery about himself. Because that’s the thing about you being a constant in his life, he had grouped his feelings for you and categorized them under ‘best friend’, effectively blinding himself from the evolution of his feelings.

How can he be a good profiler when he can’t even read his own emotions? Does she even feel the same way?

But that’s not even the biggest elephant in the room.

“Congratulations!” Hugging him tightly, your next words are muffled by his chest. “I know you've wanted this for so long.” Tilting your head up to meet his eyes, “I’m so proud of you.”

“I wouldn’t have gotten it if you didn’t push me in sending my application.” Aaron’s hold on your waist tightens, not wanting to let you an inch away from him. Aaron has just gotten back from a 6-hour flight from Quantico, his body begging for rest but his heart aching for your presence.

The longing of months apart running through his brain and the next thing he knows, his feet have taken him to your apartment at 2 in the morning instead.

“Aaron?” you called, breaking him from his trance. “What’s on your mind?”

Aaron could help but chuckle. Of course even when he showed up unannounced and woke you up in the dead of night. Your first concern was about him.

Coming from a strict family and being the oldest, having someone worry about him was uncommon. So when these moments arrive, it hits him with full force.

“Nothing…” He exhales, tucking the stray hairs behind your ear. Aaron hopes you don’t feel how shaky his hands are as he does so.

You raise your brows at him. Aaron might be a man of few words, but you’ve known him long enough to know when he is holding back.

He sighs, the room is quiet and any wrong move would break the balance. Aaron cups your cheek, glancing from your lips to your eyes. He steels himself to lay his discovery out in the open. “It’s just…you’re so captivatingly beautiful.”

Your eyes widen. Is he saying what you think he’s saying? Aaron has called you pretty in the past, but there was an air of playfulness then compared to this whispered statement.

With the tension increasing ten-fold with each word. “These past few months, I was working at my dream job yet I couldn’t feel the best because you weren’t by my side. Each night I looked forward to hearing your voice, whether it’s about how your day went or what you thought about the latest movie. And it killed me inside when the calls stopped…”

Aaron gulped, pausing to blink back tears that threaten to fall.

Reaching up to grab his hand, you placed a kiss on his palm. Silently urging him to carry on and to say ‘me too’.

“I felt so guilty… then one day my boss caught me staring at a picture of us. He said that I was lucky to have a lovely girlfriend as an anchor to help in this grueling job and… I didn’t correct him.”

“You didn’t correct him?”

“I didn’t.” Aaron was now looking at his feet- embarrassed, mentally preparing for the rejection that was to come for letting his mind wander to the possibility of something more with you. He had crossed the line and placed his heart in your hands. “ At first I didn’t know how to react, you are my best friend, my constant support. But at that moment, everything became clearer.” Aaron confessed, however your response may be he will accept even if it would be the last ever time he gets to hold you in his arms. “Y/N. You’re my best friend, my constant support and I adore you.”

A beat passes as you process his words.

“I’m sorry to spring this on you considering the circumstances. I understand if you want to keep a distance and not want to see me again.” Aaron steps back, takes one last look at you before turning to pick up his bag and leave.

But as his hand reaches the doorknob, he is abruptly turned and pushed against the door. His gasp of pain is muffled by the crashing of your lips. Aaron drops his bag and instinctively pulls you closer. Air to breathe and the doorknob pocking his back be damned.

You were the first to pull away just enough that your lips brush each other’s. “I know you’re leaving in five months. And I know everyone’s gonna say it’s a big mistake. And I’m gonna get my heart broken but maybe it’s worth it.”

#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner fluff #aaron hotch hotchner #criminal minds fic #criminal minds #criminal minds fluff #aaron hotchner x you #aaron hotch x reader #fandomcombine writes

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arimiadev · 6 months ago

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recommendations of visual novels on sale for the steam winter sale 2024

steam's winter sale just started and will run for the next two weeks, so if you're looking for a new visual novel to try (or want to get into them), here's a lot that I've played that are on sale on steam.

umineko when they cry

the ushiromiya family returns to the family head's home on an isolated island for their annual conference with the intention of settling how his vast amount of wealth is divided. instead, though, a letter is left from someone claiming to be a "witch". with the ushiromiyas dropping dead left and right, the mystery behind everything remains to be solved by you, the reader.

I can't make a recommendation list without mentioning umineko. it's life changing. it might even trans your gender. it's hard to describe umineko, but just know that it's absolutely deserving of the "cult classic" tag.

notes:

kinetic/linear - no choices

VERY long, 120+ hours (over all 8 episodes)

divided into two games on steam - Questions Arcs is the first 4 episodes and Answers Arcs is the last 4 episodes (8 episodes in total, play Questions Arcs first)

created by Ryukishi07, creator of Higurashi

fantasy vs mystery

ace attorney

follow phoenix wright as he embarks on his career as a lawyer to help people. meet a variety of clients and prove their innocence by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and exposing lies in court.

ace attorney is a classic mystery visual novels, being a blend of point-and-click elements via investigations and visual novel storytelling. the steam port is a massive collection, combining the first 3 games (the original phoenix wright trilogy) as 1 game.

notes:

investigative gameplay segments, a good chunk of the story is point-and-click parts

pretty long for the whole trilogy- each game is around 20 hours long and the steam edition is 3 games

modern mystery with supernatural elements

ai: the somnium files

play as detective kaname date as he hunts down a serial killer using a cutting-edge technology which allows him to "psync" with a person, diving into the memories of others to solve crimes in a limited amount of time with the help of his AI assistant/eyeball Aiba.

aitsf is a lot. it's probably the raunchiest non-eroge game I've ever played and despite my low tolerance for dirty jokes I found most of it to be laughable and a fun experience, though I did play this with friends. if it's a miss for you, it's gonna miss you by a wide margin, but if it's a hit for you, you're going to be recommending it nonstop. either way you'll want to hit kaname date with a car.

notes:

long, around 25-35 hours

this game heavily relies on going back to prior choices via their branching menu to try other options in order to get the full story (and true ending). there are several endings to this game but you're meant to play through them all, not just one or two.

a lot of gameplay and interactive segments

sci-fi mystery

english voice acting

witch on the holy night

aoko aozaki is a highschooler who has to balance her class president, perfect grades life with her secret afterschool life of being a mage—a secret she has to keep at the risk of death. keeping this balance already isn’t easy but one day she gets a wrench thrown into it with the introduction of a transfer student, soujuurou shizuki, a country boy so out of touch that he’s never seen electricity before.

I love witch on the holy night so, so much. it's one of the most beautifully directed visual novels ever made with so much love and care put into each frame. the cast is wonderful (touko my beloved) and it's a must-read for anyone who likes modern-ish fantasy.

notes:

kinetic / linear - no choices

long, around 25-30 hours

originally written by kinoko nasu, one of the co-founders of type-moon and creators of fate/stay night. has some relation to tsukihime and garden of sinners but you don't need any knowledge of those going in

modern-ish (1980s) fantasy with lots of talking about magic

ghostpia

a snowy town filled with "ghosts" is where the young woman sayako finds herself trapped, feeling like she doesn't belong and wants to leave this town where no one dies.

it's hard to describe ghostpia. it's a surreal-ish story about "ghosts" where every character is quirkier than the last but every part is made with so much heart behind it. you never really know where the story is going, but unfortunately only 1 season is currently out on steam.

notes:

medium length, around 10 hours

very innovative and unique use of visuals and paneling

surreal-ish (sometimes violent) fantasy

please be happy

as a shapeshifting fox called a "gumiho", miho has traveled the world in search for a traveler who showed her kindness many years ago. afraid of sticking around in one place for too long, miho has never stayed anywhere for more than a few nights- but all of that changes when she arrives in wellington, new zealand and meets the barista/writer aspen and the vampire archivist juliet.

okay I did work on this one but hear me out. please be happy was a labor of love for our team that took over 3 years to make and is a slice of life story about love, trust, and what it means to be human. and you get to play as a gay fox girl voiced by dottovu.

notes:

medium to long, about 20 hours

2 romanceable ladies, aspen and juliet, and a plethora of side characters to meet via a map system

modern slice-of-life fantasy

english voice acting

WE KNOW THE DEVIL

find yourself back at summer camp with all the queer religious horror of it.

WE KNOW THE DEVIL is a short, atmospheric and slightly surreal story about 3 teens at a religious summer camp waiting for the devil. if you want something that feels familiar and otherworldly at the same time, this is right up your alley.

notes:

very short, about 2 hours

3 endings and 1 true ending

isolation, psychological horror

fate/stay night

seven mages known as masters summon heroic and fictional characters from the pantheon of history to fight it out over the ultimate magical item - the holy grail.

fate/stay night is one of the most well-known visual novel properties out there and it's finally not only available in english officially but on steam! this remaster is a treat and done with a lot of care put into it, it's a great way to get into the fateverse if you've never tried it before.

notes:

pretty long, 70+ hours

3 routes / heroines to be with with lots of bad endings

modern fantasy, battle royale

mamiya

the end of the world is near. what will you do in the final months? and who is this "MAMIYA" who proclaims their love for you?

MAMIYA is a dark mystery visual novel about a group of guys who meet during the funeral for a friend, a stranger, a passerby, and become entangled in the web of an entity known as "MAMIYA". the presentation and style feels fresh.

notes:

check out the content warnings before reading

medium length, but is segmented into a lot of chapters that make it easy to pick back up

dark modern mystery with supernatural elements

a date with death

the grim reaper contacts you saying he wants your soul. naturally, you respond...with flirting??

a date with death is a free game but it does have paid DLC so I'm including it here because I want to. it's a comfy chatsim romance visual novel about, well, courting the grim reaper.

notes:

short, around 8 hours for the base game

customizable protag

1 male love interest

cute modern supernatural romance

twofold

Olive has 1 last chance to graduate college - pass a filler class. when their situation comes to light, 2 club presidents agree to help them but end up dragging them in the middle of their feud...

I also worked on this one. the writing and art is truly charming and heartfelt. it's a story about romance but also relationships in general - friendships, platonic relationships, familial bonds, etc. this visual novel took several years to be completed and the final result is one made with a lot of love.

notes:

medium, around 15-20+ hours for both routes

nonbinary protagonist, 2 female love interests

modern slice-of-life, college setting

english voice acting

slay the princess

you're tasked with a simple goal - slay the princess, or else she'll destroy the world.

talk about taking a simple premise and running with it. slay the princess is a mind-bending psychological horror about love and repeating things a lot of times. after all, all you have to do is slay the princess, right?

notes:

short to medium, around 10 hours for a full run

lots and lots and lots of branching paths

psychological horror, does contain gore

english voice acting

canvas menagerie

Niko is a trans man and lifelong actor who's been down on his luck until he gets the lead role in a major TV show. there, he starts to fall for his annoying celebrity costar.

well I wrote and drew and programmed this one by myself so I can't really give an indepth recommendation for it but I think it came out pretty nice. it's a comfy gay romance about actors.

notes:

medium length, around 10-12 hours

boys love romance

modern slice-of-life, adult cast

------------

note that all of the indie visual novels listed are also available on itchio as DRM-free versions. there's a ton of VNs on sale over there right now as well.

#visual novel #visual novels #my recommendations #game recs #game recommendations #steam winter sale #steam sale

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bellaxgiornata · 2 years ago

Text

All These Years [Part 17: "Bridging the Distance"]

Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

[You can find the full series summary and masterlist of installments for All These Years here.]

Warnings/tags: 18+ for this series; contains emotional hurt with no comfort until the final installments, angst, pining, friends to lovers, slowburn, and eventually smut

Word Count: 3.8k

a/n: This installment is mostly some sweet fluff, but there's a bit of angst, because this is ATY and there's still that physical distance between these two. Enjoy some charming Matty though! Feedback is always appreciated!

Tag list: @acharliecoxedfan @theetherealbloom @rotscinema @magnumstyles @roseallisonparker @ofmusesandsecrets @readerhead @paracosmic-murdock @v4leoftears @why-always-me-gosh-please @redbircl @keepingitlokiii @yarrystyleeza @mattkinsella @ms-murdockswift @margoo0 @1988-fiend @lockleywife @strangeobsessed @justalittlebitbored @am-3-thyst @buckybarnes-1917 @thora-jane @lionalsowrites @cloudroomblog @prince-tassel @danzer8705 @yourlocalbentspine @harperdoodle @hollandorks @mattmurdocksstarlight @yeonalie

Taking a sip of coffee from the mug in your hand, you shuffled through your kitchen and over to your fridge, pulling the door open. You stood there for a moment, eyeing the contents of what was inside and trying to decide on what to make for breakfast. Eventually your eyes landed on the carton of eggs on the top shelf and you grabbed them before sluggishly making your way over to the kitchen counter.

You set your coffee mug and the eggs down beside your phone before bending over and pulling out a pan from the cabinet below you. As you made your way over to the stove, you heard the telltale vibration of your phone receiving a text coming from behind you. An excited buzz of nerves struck you as you hurriedly set the pan down on the stove top before turning back around. You rushed back over to your phone, desperately hoping the text message you'd just received was from who you thought it was from. When you opened the notification on your screen, your face only further lit up at the sight of Matt's name.

It was exactly who you'd hoped had messaged you this morning.

It had been a couple of weeks since Karen had left after her week-long stay with you. Ever since that first text Matt had sent when Karen had left for the airport, he had been texting you more frequently. He often sent you messages on and off throughout the week, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings he had started sending you a text around the time he’d come to learn you woke up at. And every weekend morning now you had come to look forward to that text of his greeting you for the day. Usually you’d both message each other on and off as the day wore on, clearly wanting to feel connected to each other despite the physical distance.

You'd inevitably begun looking forward to your weekends even more ever since this had started.

Though you didn't exactly know what any of it meant. You'd both confessed feelings for each other months ago now, and while that hadn't been discussed yet, it seemed like he still felt the same way. As did you. You weren't sure what to make of that, especially being on the opposite side of the country from him now.

But for the moment, you pushed those thoughts to the side. All you wanted to do was bask in that giddy feeling because Matt had yet again texted you. Because he was still thinking of you.

8:35 AM MATT: Good morning, sweetheart. I hope the weather by you is vastly warmer than it is here. It's snowing again. Temperature is in the single digits.

You internally melted at the term of endearment he'd once again slipped in. On occasion he'd seemed to work that into the texts more and more frequently you’d noticed. As you reread the message, you imagined him making a coffee in his apartment, dictating the text to his phone as he hovered around his laptop working on something for the law firm. Possibly with a smile on his face as he thought about you.

Grinning yourself, you were quick to type up a response to his message.

8:36 AM It's going to be sunny and sixty degrees here today. Far better than snow.

Still smiling to yourself, you set your phone back down and reached up into another cabinet. You pulled down a bowl and began to crack a couple of eggs into it, washing your hands in the sink afterwards. Pulling out a fork from a nearby drawer to whisk them together for some scrambled eggs, you heard the buzz of your phone come minutes later on the counter beside you. Immediately you dropped the fork and picked up your phone, eager to read Matt’s next text.

8:42 AM MATT: Sounds like a perfect day. Maybe if you come back to visit Hell’s Kitchen you can bring that warmth and sunshine with you.

Before you had a chance to even respond to that message, you saw another text from him come through.

8:42 AM MATT: Though if I'm being honest, you always brought warmth and light to my life without the help of LA.

For a moment all you could do was stare at his last text, your jaw dropping as you reread it over and over. You could feel your heart hammering in your chest, the feeling of those nervous butterflies fluttering in your stomach. Your fingers hovered over your phone as you tried to think of a way to reciprocate the sentiment back to Matt, but you were so stunned that you were drawing a blank. You were not remotely as smooth as he was.

Something that had quickly surprised you over your texting back and forth with Matt these past couple of weeks was how incredibly sweet he had been. He had always been a good friend to you–outside of the big lie about him being dead when he wasn’t, which was meant to protect you, and anything involving Elektra. He’d often said nice things to you over the years that you assumed were never meant as anything more than friendly. But now you’d often found him being charming towards you. And it only made you want him physically here with you even more despite how incredibly nervous you would feel with him saying these things to your face.

Drawn out of your thoughts by the vibrating of your phone in your hand, you saw that Matt was actually calling you now. Your eyes widened in shock–besides the two video calls with Karen the other week, neither of you had talked on the phone in months. He’d always only sent texts. Why was he calling you now?

For a moment all you could do was stare at his name on your screen and internally panic, but then you reminded yourself that if you didn’t answer, you wouldn’t get to talk to him. Nervously you swiped your finger across the screen, answering the call before you lost it. Holding the phone up to your ear, you did your best to push down your nerves.

"Hey, Matty," you greeted him shyly. "What's–what’s going on?"

"Hey, sweetheart," he greeted warmly, your stomach somersaulting at his voice and that term again. "I just figured I'd call and see if you'd rather chat this way. Dictating texts is a little difficult for me. And also, if I’m being honest, I missed hearing your voice.”

Heat crept into your cheeks, your lip slipping between your teeth as you tried to fight back the giant, stupid grin forming on your face. He’d missed hearing your voice? He was too smooth, it truly wasn’t fair.

“I uh, I missed hearing your voice, too,” you admitted, trying to sound bolder than you felt.

Because honestly, it was hard to feel bold with Matt. The thought of flirting with him still had your stomach nervously twisting into knots and your palms sweating. The times you’d been interested in literally anyone else, you were able to at least moderately navigate your way through a few flirtatious comments. But with Matthew Murdock? In a situation outside of just being friendly with him? It was a miracle you could even breathe while you talked to him. Flirting was something you couldn’t fathom succeeding at when it came to him.

"How's your morning coming along?" he asked.

"Good," you replied. Shouldering your phone, you continued to work on making your breakfast, trying to ignore the nervous trembling of your hands. "I'm just waking up and making some eggs. How's your morning, Matty?"

"Cold," he answered with a chuckle. "You know I’ve always hated winter.”

You laughed lightly, remembering every single time Matt used to complain about walking around on campus when it snowed. Foggy used to tease him about it whenever you met up with them to go to the dining hall or to the bar near campus.

“Is the cold that much worse with your senses?” you asked him curiously, heading towards the frying pan and getting it ready. “I guess I never thought about that.”

“I don’t quite remember what the winters felt like before my senses became what they are,” Matt told you. “That was far too long ago to recall something that particular. But I do feel like it’s vastly more uncomfortable for me than it is for others, considering I’m more sensitive to minor temperature differences.”

“Mmm, true,” you mused, grabbing the bowl of eggs from the counter and bringing it over to the pan. “Suppose you need to bundle up and bury yourself in a pile of blankets more than others do in the winter.”

Matt hummed out a noise over the phone that almost sounded like a throaty purr. It had the hair along your forearms raising and your eyes momentarily closing. You’d almost poured the eggs out of the bowl and onto your stove top instead of into the pan with the effect it had on you, the noise rumbling directly into your ear. Eyelids fluttering back open to pay attention to the breakfast you were making, you were grateful Matt wasn’t here to pick up on anything your body was doing just now. Especially with what he said next.

“I’d much prefer to curl up with you to keep warm,” he said, tone teasing.

Your mouth fell open as you straightened in surprise at the implication of his words, a tiny surprised gasp slipping out of you. Had he meant something innocent by that? Because with Matt and his history of women, you had a feeling he might not have.

Unfortunately in your shock, your phone had slipped off of your shoulder and began its inevitable descent to the floor. With a yelp, you rushed to set the empty bowl still in your hands onto the counter beside the stove as your phone clattered loudly to the floor. Swiftly bending over and picking it back up, you held it back beside your ear. Instantly you were hit with the resonate sound of Matt’s amused laughter and you flushed.

“Don’t laugh at me, Matt,” you pouted.

You grabbed a spatula out of a nearby drawer, focusing on cooking the eggs in the pan. Over the line, Matt was clearly trying to fight down his laughter. Your cheeks only further flamed in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized, a smile apparent in his tone. “I’ve just never had the opportunity to flirt with you–and believe me I’ve always wanted to,” he confessed. “But I wasn’t expecting it to fluster you so easily. Truly makes me wish I wasn’t missing out on all of your reactions to me right now.”

“I’m sort of glad you are,” you grumbled. “It’s embarrassing.”

“I think it’s cute,” he countered. “I've always thought you were cute.”

You frowned, your eyes glued to the eggs cooking in the pan before you. He thought you were cute ? You'd always wanted him to think you were far more than that. Frustratedly you poked at the eggs, scrambling them further in your silence.

“Did I…say the wrong thing?” Matt asked hesitantly when you didn’t respond.

“It’s nothing,” you muttered.

“Okay,” he said slowly, “Well, I know I can’t hear your heartbeat over the phone–my ears unfortunately aren’t that good–but I can still tell that was a lie. What’s wrong? Am I not allowed to say things like that?”

You sighed, running a hand across your forehead. Truthfully it seemed ridiculous to be upset about Matt calling you cute. He’d never said that before. It should have given you some warm, fuzzy feelings in return, but in reality, it had only made your heart drop into your stomach. And the reasoning felt stupid. But still, you felt how you felt and you couldn’t control that.

Matt said your name over the line, concern in his voice. “Can you talk to me?” he asked, almost pleadingly. “I’m sorry if I said something out of line, I can–can stop flirting if you want.”

“No!” you replied instantly, wincing at how desperate and pathetic you sounded.

“Well, I can’t read minds,” Matt stated. “I need a little help here, sweetheart. What’s wrong?”

“I just–” you broke off, feeling awkward as you tried to figure out how to word what you were feeling. “I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, Matt,” you eventually began. “And I’ve–I’ve had to watch you with countless women.” You paused, inhaling a deep breath as Matt remained silent on the line while you spoke. “And for years all I wanted was for you to see me as something other than your friend. To, you know, be attracted to me,” you confessed shyly, embarrassment flooding you. “And I just–I don’t–” you fumbled for words, “–don’t want to just be cute to you. Puppies are cute. I don’t want to be on par with puppies, Matt.”

Matt said your name lightly, a small chuckle coming from him when you’d finished. Frowning at his response, you roughly scrambled the eggs in the pan even more.

“I assure you, you’re far from being on par with a puppy to me,” he told you. “I find you very attractive. And I do, in fact, find you sexy.”

Your eyes went wide and you immediately froze at his words. You had not been expecting him to say that.

“Please don’t drop the phone this time, either,” he continued cheekily, a smile once again apparent in his tone. “Because I want to make sure you hear me. I’ve wanted you for a long time. Longer than you even knew I existed. And I think you’re adorable when you get flustered or when you crack a joke. But I also think you’re beautiful. And incredibly sexy. Do you know how many times I had to refrain from making a move on you over the years?” he asked. “How many times we’d gone to that bar by campus and I had to hear the way your body moved when you drank enough to actually dance and I had to fight to keep my hands to myself? Or how many times I'd wanted to grab you and kiss you all those Saturday nights when Foggy fell asleep and it was just you and I on my bed?"

Your breath felt like it was coming in sharp and shallow. Because no, you did not know any of that.

"I–I had no idea," you answered breathily.

"I have wanted you in more ways than one for years," he admitted softly.

You felt dizzy at his admission as you reached out a hand to turn off the burner, your eggs finally finished cooking. Exhaling a long breath, you turned and leaned against the kitchen counter, a hand landing on your chest just over your racing heart.

For years that was all you'd wanted to hear from Matt. You’d always wanted to hear that he had feelings for you. That he wanted you. That he’d felt all these things for you all those times you were feeling them for him. And now here he was saying everything you'd ever wanted, but he was all the way on the other side of the country. He was over two thousand miles away. This was not the way you'd always pictured this happening–over the phone and with him out of reach.

"Matt," you whispered, feeling tears abruptly stinging at your eyes. "What are we doing?"

You heard his heavy sigh loud over the phone. The sound didn't help alleviate the burn of tears welling in your eyes.

"What do you mean exactly?" he asked.

"I mean," you began, wiping a hand at your watery eyes, "we–we care about each other. That's been established. But Matt, you're in New York and I'm in LA. Why are you always texting me? Calling me now because you miss the sound of my voice? Why are you flirting with me? What's the point of it all?"

"The point is that I'd like to give things a chance between us," he answered earnestly. "I have wanted you for so long. Literal years . I don't want to lose you. I–I can’t,” he said, his voice breaking on his words. “I can’t just ignore these feelings I have for you anymore. They won’t go away, no matter how far you are from me. Especially now that I know you feel the same. So I'm open to seeing if–if things could work. If you want that, too?" he asked nervously.

"But what about the distance, Matt?" you asked back.

"I'm hoping things will calm down at the firm in a few weeks," he told you. "I've been looking into flights and planning things with Fog so that he will be fine without me when I leave for a bit. I wanted to come out and visit you.” He paused, nervously adding, “If you still wanted me to, of course."

Your eyebrows shot up onto your forehead in surprise. Matt wanted to come out to LA? For you ? He'd been making plans to do that already?

"I–I would love you to come visit," you replied immediately, still stunned. "Of course I would, Matty. But I–I thought you'd never left Hell’s Kitchen before? I thought you said you never would?"

"I haven't," he said. "And I have said that. But I'd leave it to come see you."

"But–but what about what you do at night?" you asked. "I thought you refused to leave the city unprotected?"

"It'll be fine without me for a few days," he assured you. "There’s others here who can look after it for just a few days. I want to come see you. I just wish I was capable of heading out there sooner, but I can probably work on maneuvering my schedule around in the future so that I can occasionally make time to come visit you out there." He laughed lightly over the line. "I suppose that’s the bonus of working for yourself."

Running a hand through your hair, you nervously gnawed on your lip. There was something you hadn't told him yet because you hadn’t finalized things, but now felt like a good time to bring it up.

"I–I was planning a trip soon, too," you confessed.

"You were?" he asked, his tone full of restrained excitement which had you smiling. "When? You never told me that."

"Well I need to finish out the rest of this month at work because there's a lot going on now that it's the end of the year," you explained. "But some of my time off is rolling over to next year and I was thinking about taking a few days off for a longer weekend in Hell’s Kitchen. I'd briefly mentioned it to Karen, but since it wasn't a definite thing yet I hadn't mentioned it to you or Fog."

"So I might see you in a few weeks?" he asked, that excitement creeping further into his voice.

"Yeah, maybe," you answered, your smile growing.

"Can I take you to dinner?" he asked immediately. "Or lunch? Or–or out for coffee? Or all of the above?"

You couldn’t fight the giggle that escaped you. He'd sounded so eager to take you out already. You'd never heard him like that with anyone before, not even Elektra. And you'd certainly never had someone so excited to take you out before, either.

"I'd like that, Matt," you told him. “I still need to finalize everything with my boss first. Make sure they can spare me for a few days in January. And as much as I want to see Karen and Foggy, I’d…really like some time with you, too.”

“I want that, too,” he assured you. “I want to take you out. And I mean that as in a date. Just so–so we’re clear this time. Unlike the time I tried to ask you out before in unclear terms the night you came to my dorm. I’m not letting that happen again.”

You laughed, unable to help yourself. Matt’s own laughter soon joined yours, the sound filling you with so much joy. You wished he was standing beside you right now so you would be able to see the bright smile that was surely lighting up his face at the moment.

You definitely missed him.

Eventually the laughter slowly subsided between the pair of you, your eyes gradually glancing back at the pan on your stove. Your breakfast was now most likely cold, but truthfully you didn’t care.

“I should let you have your breakfast,” Matt said, almost as if he was reading your mind. “I’ve got to finish some things for Fog before he gets mad at me. I promised they’d be done before this afternoon and I’m admittedly running out of time. I just really wanted to talk to you. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too,” you whispered, wishing he didn’t have to go already.

“Maybe I’ll call you later tonight?” he asked hopefully. “Or tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’d like that,” you told him, a small smile on your lips.

“Great,” he replied. “So I’ll talk to you later, sweetheart?”

“Yeah, I’ll talk to you later, Matty,” you told him.

Both of you hung up and for a long moment afterwards you just stared at your phone, your shoulders sagging. You were torn between feeling excited at the prospect of an actual date with Matt coming up in a few weeks, and that sad, lonely feeling that hit you like a ton of bricks the moment you’d hung up. You wished he was here.

Ignoring your pan of eggs for a moment, you set your phone onto the kitchen counter before you turned, exiting the kitchen. You made your way down the hall and towards your bedroom. Heading straight to your dresser, you opened the top left drawer and reached inside. Your hands landed on the lone shirt of Matt’s that you’d taken from his place so long ago, back when you were paying his bills hoping he wasn’t dead. You’d never given it back to him, too embarrassed to admit you’d stolen it, but also too attached to it to give it up.

The material was so familiarly soft as you ran your fingers along it. Bringing it up to your nose, you inhaled the scent of it, eyes closing. But unfortunately after all that time of it sitting in your dresser beside your clothes, it now smelled exactly like your own fresh laundry instead of Matt’s distinct, clean scent. That hollow ache hit you right in the chest as you lowered the shirt from your face, your fingers still running along the fabric. But at least this time the ache was markedly less painful than it had been in the past.

[END NOTES]

Yes, more end notes. Because I really enjoy them 😅

So in this installment we find out that Matt has been texting Reader ever since Karen left, but now he finally called her!! And he was finally flirting with her which got her all flustered!! Though we did see Reader was feeling a little insecure when he called her cute, especially with the knowledge of the plethora of women he's slept with, but Matt was quick to make sure she knew just how much he's attracted to her. And ohhh! He was apparently thinking of heading out to LA? And Reader might be flying to Hell's Kitchen in a couple of weeks? Does that smell like the next installment or what? Because it is. It is the next installment and it's tentatively titled "A Series of Firsts." I haven't decided if it'll get broken up into two different installments or not yet, but I have started writing it. And there will be more sweet Matty in it when they finally reunite!

#matt murdock x reader #matt murdock x you #matt murdock angst #matt murdock fluff #matt murdock #matt murdock series #daredevil

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ourpickwickclub · 15 days ago

Note

Aww, you are so welcome!! I'm so excited that so many others are as happy as I am about how well Shefani are doing, relative to their peers, especially at this stage of their careers - and both after long hiatuses, it's really amazing, and I am over the moon for them!!!

Ok, I'll try and address anon's question. So full disclosure, sorry to anon/fellow Shefani lover, I love you, but I don't care enough about those 3 you asked about to actually research their Billboard 200 stats, since I don't already have them on hand (yes, I'm lazy unless it comes to Shefani, lol), BUT here are the Billboard Top Country Album debuts for the most recent album of everyone you asked about and KU and LB for comparison, which is based on the actual Billboard 200 chart using the same metrics, but for Country albums only (imagine the weekly BB200 with all the other genres removed and this is what you get):

Billboard Top Country Album debuts:

#8 Blake Shelton - highest debut of the week

#5 Eric Church

#11 Luke Bryan

#10 Keith Urban

#5 KChes

#8 the ex - although I wouldn't consider this person a professional peer. From what little I know, they are most likely not on the same level as BG in terms of overall career sales/streams/global impact. G has over 60 million albums sold, B has over 13 million, and I have no idea about this person, but it's probably way less than B. I was looking up BG's spotify numbers every day last December on the charts and I vaguely recall seeing that person only had 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify compared to B's 11 million and G's 20 million (and G had a peak of 36 million monthly listeners during the holidays!!! The Shefani Effect!!!) although, the recent ACMs with Reba/Lainey might help boost that person's numbers temporarily.

Ok, one last thing. To the other dear Shefani-loving anon who like me, wants Hangin' On to be a single sooner than later, but unlike me, doesn't have any hope for that...I invite you to HAVE HOPE - nothing wrong with having hope, it's so fun and many times pays off!!! Let me tell you something. Last year, in January, BEFORE we knew about Purple Irises, I made a wish list, hoping for a new Shefani duet, new B & G albums, and a Shefani duets album, then marking on my calendar the dates for the ACMs, CMAFest, etc... HOPING for appearances, even though it seemed EXTREMELY unlikely/impossible, and then WHAT HAPPENED??? Not only did we get a new Shefani duet just weeks later, we got a Shefani performance of said duet:

AT THE SUPERBOWL TAILGATE (and the KISS!),

and then on Jimmy Kimmel ON VALENTINE'S DAY (and where G said that PI wasn't even supposed to be out, it was really unexpected, but it just happened, like a miracle),

a cute performance at CaliVibes,

an amazing performance at RODEO HOUSTON in front of 60,000 people who completely lost it when G came out, in that gorgeous sparkly caftan.

and then a performance AT THE ACMs, who INVITED G TO PERFORM (and B's "Oh Yeah" response to G's "do you still think I'm pretty?" (too bad that didn't make the broadcast, but thankful to all the fans in the audience who caught it on video for us!!!)),

and not to mention tons of video of BG performing PI on tour in:

Lafayette (the first ever PI twirl on tour in that denim MINI-DRESS and B couldn't look away lmao)

Edmonton (how B extended his arm and pointed at G for so long when they sang "the way you look at me")

Calgary (after PI, B purposely sliding his arms UNDER G's fluffy jacket to hug her because backless top ofc lol and the double kiss from G and B losing his cool and needing a moment to compose himself lmao),

Palm Springs (B checking out G when she left after PI, cuz tight yellow pants),

Glendale (B tricking the audience into thinking G wasn't there by doing HA without her and him freaking out about it to the audience and bragging about how he tricked them before AND after PI lol)

Tulsa (B getting distracted and dropping his pick in the middle of playing when G was staring at him during PI, so funny!)

Can you believe we got all that!!! and then albums from both of them and another duet this year! Like what???? and all I had was a tiny sliver of HOPE dffkfgkfh.

ps: as I type this, the new Hangin' On Lyric video that dropped a day and half ago, now has over 60,000 views, surpassing the views of every single video that was posted 12 days ago in A DAY AND A HALF, except for the Hangin' On Official Audio, which at 112,000 views, surpassed not only every other video that dropped the same day, but also the SCODT Official Audio, even though that's been out for over a month. Just sayin' - no matter what, Hangin' On is the most popular song that was released on 5/9, by a MILE.

Wow. Thank you for all that info!

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gregorygerwitz · 1 year ago

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Crochet Commissions!

For those who don't know me, I'm Alex (she/they), and I started the year off with Covid. Because I had to take two weeks off work, I'm really hurting for money right now, so I'm opening up a limited number of slots for crochet commissions to try to fill in that financial gap.

ALL of the materials I use are machine washer/dryer safe

Pictures of my recent work and prices are below. Including: stuffed animals, dice bags, holiday stockings, blankets. As well as: shipping info, custom request info.

For further questions or to request a commission: message me here or email me at [email protected]

When I did my poll, most people voted for stuffed animals, and I recently finished a few that I can show my skills with. The blue penguin is my latest finished piece, with the purple penguin the first thing I ever crocheted side-by-side for comparison of how much I've learned in the last ~7 months. The mouse is technically unfinished because the eyes aren't embroidered yet, but I made it in about a day and a half, for timeline purposes.

I also just finished the above dice bag octopus about an hour ago for my roommate, which took about three hours of non-stop work (I turned on a movie and got through the stitches pretty quick). I can make them in any color you want, with either the plastic safety eyes or embroidered eyes. Most of these can be entirely customizable, just let me know what you're thinking and I'll see what I can do!

Dice bags: $10 + $5 domestic (US) shipping Stuffed animals: $15 + $5 domestic (US) shipping optional crinkle filling (washer/dryer safe): + $2 (stuffed animals only)

10 slots total (4 REMAINING)

I don't have any pictures of any of the hats or scarves I've made because it's been a few years, but I made some stockings for the apartment for Christmas last month, and that's one of my most recent projects. The green one was the last one I made, and probably the most accurate to what my capabilities are now.

If you'd like a stocking for Christmas 2024, let me know! I have an unlimited number of slots for them as the holiday is far enough away that the time crunch isn't so rough.

Hats: $20 + $5 domestic (US) shipping Scarves: $30 + $5 domestic (US) shipping Holiday stocking: $24 + $5 domestic (US) shipping

5 total wearable (hats/scarves) slots

The least popular item in my poll was the blankets, which I understand. And I'm only going to open one slot for them at a time because they take so long and so much yarn to make. The wave pattern (both blankets pictured above) is my favorite to do, but I have patterns for most simple designs, or I can likely easily google it and put it together for you. Prices are based on the time and materials these take to make, but because they're so much more expensive than the smaller items above, domestic (US) shipping is free.

Baby blanket (top left): $50 Throw blanket/afghan: $100 Full size (length shown in bottom picture): $200

1 blanket slot (0 REMAINING)

Custom requests:

If there's a pattern you've found on Etsy/Pinterest/etc that you want made, contact me by using the contact information above. We can discuss prices or my ability to accomplish that for you. ***patterns must be CROCHET patterns as I do not knit (yet)*** 5 custom slots total

International shipping:

Let me know when you request a commission where you are located, as shipping prices vary wildly from country to country. I'll go over the actual cost with you before you commit to the commission and make sure the price works for both of us.

Current open slots:

Stuffed animals and dice bags: 1. [FILLED] 2. [FILLED] 3. [FILLED] 4. [FILLED] 5. [FILLED] 6. [FILLED] 7. [OPEN] 8. [OPEN] 9. [OPEN] 10. [OPEN]

Wearables: 1. [OPEN] 2. [OPEN] 3. [OPEN] 4. [OPEN] 5. [OPEN]

Stockings: [NO LIMIT]

Blankets: 1. [FILLED]

Custom requests: 1. [OPEN] 2. [OPEN] 3. [OPEN] 4. [OPEN] 5. [OPEN]

#crochet #commissions #crochet commission #crochet commissions #yarnworks #yarncrafts #yarn craft #yarn work #crochet art #crochet stuffed animals #crochet dice bag #crochet blanket

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bodhisattvas-storm · 3 months ago

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It's been a month since Bodhi Adler moved in with her cousin Barry after her grandpa passed away. Her already damaged life has been flipped upside-down.

Rafe "country club" Cameron. The king of the kooks. Has an unusually good partnership with Berry. That is until he takes a liking to his baby cousin. Everyone on figure 8 knows not to mess with Rafe Cameron. But will he be able to handle the tempest that is Bodhi Adler?

(Master list pinned on my profile)

Chapter 1.

I don't know how long it's been. The days have blurred together since I've moved in with Berry. I feel like I'm drowning and I can't find my way to the surface. Back to myself and the light. My friends have come to check on me once a week even if I've barely been aware of their presence they still come. It warms my heart but I still don't know if I'll ever be the person I was before my Grandpa passed away from cancer. It was a brutal battle but he fought to the very end. He would hate to see me so lost and unable to take care of myself but he would be proud of the fact that I've not given up entirely. I wonder if he'll be proud of the person I'll be when I put myself back together. I doubt it.

A knock at my door brings me out of my thoughts. "Come in," I say quietly as Barry is already opening the door. I roll my eyes as I pull the covers over my head "Whats up?" I ask. "I did your laundry," Barry says brightly as I hear the closet open and hangers move. I feel warmth bloom in my chest. Many people look at Barry and see nothing but a drug dealing pouge who lives in a run-down trailer on the outskirts of the cut. A lost cause they say. But they don't know him, not really. He would do anything for his family and the people he loves. He is the only blood family I have left, and he has always stuck with me since we were kids. Me and Grandpa were the first people he came to when he enlisted, and they first ones he came to see when he came home for good. He is a lifeline and the only reason I'm still earth side. I feel the bed dip, as he sits on the edge. He gently pulls the blanket from my face and looks at me. His eyes look sad and gentle yet firm. The same way he has looked at me since grandpa passed. The understanding in it makes me want to rage and cry, so I look away

"Hey," he says softly. "I'm gonna make you a plate from last night's dinner. I want you to try and eat as much of it as you can. But first it's time for you to take a shower. Ok?" He takes my hand and gently pulls me into a sitting position. He stands up, and I scoot the edge of the bed. Barry let me feel everything for a while, but after I didn't start to get better like any sane person, he started getting worried. I'll never forget the urgency and panic in his voice when we made our deal. He will help me as much as he can, but I have to do the work as well. Eat at least once a day, time in the sun, and a shower twice a week. All simple things to help my mental health.

Barry grabs my brush and looks at me. I know my hair is a mess, and I know he is trying to decide if I can brush it on my own or if he needs to do it. It doesn't take him long to decide as he grabs the small bottle of hair oil on my table and kicks his shoes off. He climbs into the bed behind me, and I hear the oil being opened before he gently puts it in my hair. It takes him a decent amount of time to brush out all the knots, and afterward, he just spends a little bit of time brushing it just to be sure he got everything. He stands up and puts everything back where he got it.

"Will you cut it?" I say. I didn't mean for my voice to shake the way it did, and I kicked myself for how broken I sound. "Bo. Are you sure? You've spent years growing out your hair." He says in disbelief. I nod my head. "Not much Bear . Maybe 3 or 4 inches? One for every month, Grandpa was sick?" My voice breaks as I feel my face crumple."It won't be too short. It should fall on my lower back. " There was a beat of silence as Barry searched my face. He straightens and nods his head. "Come on. I got you baby cousin, " he says and leaves the room. I follow him out the door and I hear him looking through the bathroom for a minute and then he appears with a wide grin holding up a pair of scissors and for the first time in weeks I smile and I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel wonderful. "Heeyyyy! There she is!" Barry says, throwing his arms around me and laughing. "Alright, alright," I say with laughter in my voice. "Come on, Bear. Where do you wanna do this?" I ask as he backs up."Let's go to the front porch. Best to not get hair everywhere in here, considering you have a lot of it. And I'm having company over later tonight. " I had heard people coming in and out over the last few weeks but never thought much about it. Not my circus, not my monkeys, and not to mention, I know better than to poke my nose into any of the business Barry is involved with. Pun intended.

After Barry cuts my hair and I take a much needed shower. I even went the extra mile and shaved and plucked my eyebrows. I feel better. More free despite the weight that is still pushing on me.

I open my phone. I haven't checked the group chat in a while. I'm determined to get out today. Do something other than rot. I want nothing more than to go back to bed and let my thoughts consume me, but the look of pure joy on Barry's face keeps me rooted to the spot. I can sink back into myself, or I can go forward.

My phone buzzes in my hand and it draws me out of my thoughts. It's a message from JJ

"Party tonight?"

A second later another pops up this time from Pope

"Hell yeah. But I'll be late. Pops got me on lock down because I left to go fishing with you the other day and skipped out on my chores."

Then a message from John B "7 work for everyone? I'll get the stuff" Kie answers and moment later "works for me. I get off at 6. I'll see if my dad will let me bring some food but don't hold your breath lol"

I smile, but I don't say anything. I know they'll be wondering, but I want to surprise them. My heart flutters with anticipation. I've known the gang for as long as I can remember. We've always been close, and they tried to keep up with me the best they could despite me pushing them away at every turn the last 6 months. Other than Barry and Grandpa, they're the only people I've ever been soft with. They've given me as much grace as humanly possible, and for that, I'll be forever grateful. I look at the time, and it's now 5:30, so I still have time to get ready and get the things I need. I throw on a black band t-shirt and some loose shorts. It's warm out, but I still throw on my favorite hoodie. I grab my bag and pack some extra clothes, my book that I've neglected, my charger, and a few other things in case I want to spend the night. I tied my hair back into a loose braid. I slip my shoes on, and I'm ready to go. I knock on Barry's door and get no answer, so I suspect that he is outside, and as usual, I'm right. He looks up as I walk out, and he seems a bit taken aback. "Hey. I know you said you had company coming over tonight, but I was wondering if you were gonna go anywhere? And if I could possibly take one of the bikes? I'll even take the blue one that barely runs, " I say quickly. I feel like I'm rambling, but he smiles and says "Nah cus I'm not going anywhere and don't even think about takin that blue one. Ever. Take the red one whenever you want. " There's a light in his eyes that makes my heart ache."You goin to the chateau?" He asks "Yeah they're having a get-together tonight, and I thought it would be nice to surprise them, ya know? I feel better. It's not normal, but it's better. I need to see them and start moving, " I say, looking down at my hands, feeling just a little uncomfortable."That's good, Bo. That's really good. Just let me know if you're staying there tonight, ok? Have fun and stay out of trouble, " he says, smiling. "Thanks, Bear. I'll see you later, " I say, not really making eye contact. "Hey! You tell JJ to stop knockin on my window first thing in the morning! Asking me all kinds of questions I don't know the answer to!" He yells playfully. I'm confused about what he is talking about, but I laugh and tell him I will nonetheless.

I get on the bike and connect my phone to the Bluetooth in the helmet. I put on my playlist and head out. I never thought I'd be so nervous to see my friends.

A/N and introduction

❗️I DO NOT OWN ANY RIGHTS TO THE SHOWS CHARACTERS OR THEIR STORYLINE❗️

All the characters are the same people in this story. They will be aged up. Just graduated high-school so like 18-20

Bodhi has dark hair and light eyes. She is about 5'3. Think Octavia Blake because that's my inspiration for the character 🤩

I'm doing this old school. I've never written a story before lol so bare with me but I had this idea and I'd like to run with it.

This story will not follow the show except maybe in some spots.

⚠️ This book will contain very mature and dark theams. Its a whole trigger warning. Please remember that your mental well-being matters and if you think it will damage you in any way please do not read it. I if you made it this far. I love you very much and you matter. Kiss on the forehead for you.⚠️

Picture of Octavia Blake for reference:

#rafe outer banks #rafe cameron #outerbanks rafe #rafe obx #rafe fanfiction #rafe fic #obx fic #obx fanfiction #obx #john b routledge #jj maybank #pope heyward #kie obx #umbra

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mixtape-racha · 2 years ago

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lost boy | seo changbin

☆ part 3/8 of the 5 seconds of stray kids series ☆

words: 2.01k // warnings: childhood friends reunited, friends to more?

you hadn’t seen changbin in twevle years, surely he’d forgotten about you? kids of your age moved on from their friends like a change in the weather… right?

“please, y/n. without you… i’m just a lost boy. i can’t lose you again.”

coming back home was always a scary thought to you. you left home quite young, having to leave behind all your friends and everything you ever knew. moving from one side of the country to the other just because your parents got a divorce seemed so silly in your 11 year old head. just because mom and dad didn't love each other anymore, why did you have to go? but as your mom moved across the country for a job, and your dad moved back to his home country, you didn’t really have a choice. at least by staying with your mom you wouldn’t have to fly away for good.

honestly, you hadn’t seen your dad since the day he flew out to go home - not that you particularly minded. he was a very absent father, and so you weren’t missing a lot. what hurt the most was having to say goodbye to your best friend of seven years, changbin. you had met in kindergarten and had been inseparable ever since, so having to leave him behind as you packed up your entire home and drove away was heartbreaking.

you could vividly remember the way his parents had to stop him chasing your mom’s car as you drove off, both of you sobbing so hard that you struggled to breath. leaving behind changbin was the hardest thing you’d ever done, even at 23 years old, and you weren’t sure anything else could ever be harder.

so standing at the train station of your home town brought back so many weird and horrible memories. your mom had moved back to the town recently due to location changes at work, and having just graduated college you deemed it best to move back in with her until you could afford your own place. so, with way too much luggage on hand, you waited patiently for her to drive up and collect you from the station.

honestly, you couldn’t tell if the town had ever changed since you were last there at 11 years old. it was like it had been frozen in time, only now coming back to life. part of you was expecting to look in a shop window and see your childhood self staring back at you. you were more than relieved when your mom pulled up to the curb, beeping to pull you out of your trance and getting out to help you load your belongings into the car.

the drive was quiet as you took in the fact that you were back in the place where you experienced your first heartbreak. you hummed and nodded in the correct places, to show your mom that you were kind of listening to her, but really all you wanted was to sleep. moving back to your childhood home was exhausting, especially when you never thought you’d return there.

your mom allowed you a nap before you moved all your belongings in, saying she would just leave it all in the car while she went to run a few errands. you were extremely grateful for that, wanting nothing more than the warm embrace of sleep. it healed your inner child spectacularly when your mom came to tuck you into bed, kissing your head and telling you how happy sh was that were home.

you had almost drifted off when something she said as she was leaving made your ears perk up, and caused you to have some pretty strange dreams.

“all we need now is changbin to come over and play mario kart with you, and it’ll be like nothing ever changed.”

from that second onwards, he was on your mind for the rest of the day. was he still in the area? how was he doing? did he even remember you? it had been so long, would you even recognize the other if you walked past one another on the street? how were his parents, who were practically you second parents in the midst of the divorce and the move?

unfortunately for you, you wouldn’t even know for sure if he was still around for another week. you had just started a new job - part-time barista work in a local coffee shop, and it was nice. being able to get out of the house, reconnect with people from your childhood, and not feel like you were leeching off of your mom.

it was your third shift, and about half an hour until you finished for the day. you were behind the counter, scrubbing up the remains of an iced coffee one of your co-workers spilled everywhere, trying to impress a pretty girl with his ‘brilliant coffee making skills’. you offered to clean it when he quickly took off on his break, giving you a break from dealing with customers. but your attention kept getting drawn to a booth in the back corner, where a group of 5 men were sitting and laughing.

there was something so familiar about them, and you couldn’t put your finger on it. honestly, you didn’t even mean to stare or eavesdrop, but you were kind of glad you did.

“honestly, man. the new barista is really cute, i think she’s new in town. i haven’t seen her before she started working here.”

“yeah, thats because you’re a fucking hermit, jisung. you didn’t know we had a nando’s until a year after it opened.”

“yah! leave me alone! seungmin, he’s bullying me again.”

there was a lot of laughed, and it made your heart warm. you couldn’t wait to have a group of friends close by like that again.

“leave him alone, come on. or i’ll roast all of you right now.”

a giggle.

“do it, i dare you.”

“fine. chan - you’re old. jisung - you can’t skate, no matter how much you try to say you can. felix - the only way you get girls is by having an accent. oh, and speaking of girls, changbin –” your heart skipped a beat. “you’re still hung up on a girl that moved away twelve years ago and probably doesn’t remember you exist.”

fits of laughter erupted from the table, and you hastily moved to the back room for a breath. there was no way… right? it had to be a different changbin. it couldn’t be your binnie, could it? you were immensely glad that your shift ended, sneaking out the back door and catching the first bus you could back home.

it was overwhelming,knowing he was so close to you but didn;t even know you were there. should you have said something? you didn’t want to ambush him. what if he got to know you again and didn’t like you anymore? it was terrifying, and you just wanted a glass of wine and a nice, quiet night in with your mom.

it took another week until you heard anything else changbin. your mom had mentioned that his parents wanted to see you, and broached the idea of a small get-together to celebrate your graduation and moving home. with a grimace on your face, you agreed, knowing that your mom would invite all her friends and you’d be stuck in conversations that you had no idea about.

she was ecstatic that you agreed, instantly calling up some of her friends to let them know, and arranging it for the following saturday night. you weren’t working that weekend, so it was kind of perfect, but deep down you couldn’t bring yourself to be excited. you’d overheard changbin’s mom saying that they just told him you had returned to town, but would he even show up to the party? but would it be better if he didn’t? you were a huge ball of nerves and it was horrible. you missed him endlessly, and being back in town was dragging up all of those feelings, but what if everything went wrong when you saw him?

you kept worrying about it up until the day of the party, whining to your mom about it while she insisted she curl your hair. you didn;t understand why she was making such a big deal, you both always knew you’d go back to her after graduating anyway. you much would’ve preferred a spa night with some gin and pizza, but she was so happy to have people over that you couldn’t bring yourself to take that away from her. maybe after an hour or so, you’d tell her you had a headache, or were overwhelmed, so you could escape and hide in your room. yeah, that worked.

it was an extremely well-thought and calculated plan. you’d mingle, enjoy a glass of wine or two, then dip. was it rude? probably. was it worth it? 100%. but of course, like all well thought out plans, it came crashing down almost as fast as it was put into action.

the party had barely started half an hour ago, and already you wanted to leave. you were trapped with one of your mom’s work friends, and a lady who claimed to babysit you before you started school. you truly were trying your hardest to be polite, but it was difficult. that was until you heard a shriek of joy from your mother, and your eyes darted over to see her embracing changbin’s mom in a hug. his dad was standing behind them, and you swore he hadn’t aged at all. it was like being transported back 13 years, and suddenly your stomach turned.

“oh, i’m so happy (y/n)’s back! we tried to convince changbin’s sister to come, but she’s away on a business trip. we brought binnie though!”

oh god. oh no, you had to leave. like, right now. you weren’t ready to see him and get rejected from a friendship you’d never recovered from. you excused yourself from your conversation hastily, lunging towards the back door - but not before you saw a flash of black hair and a bunny smile embracing your mom.

your head felt like it was spinning as you plopped down on the swing chair in the garden. why did you agree to this stupid party in the first place? you could reintegrate back into the community at your own pace. you didn’t need to be force fed interactions with people you grew up with, you were a fully-grown adult for crying out loud. taking deep breaths, you tried to calm yourself, so caught in a trance that you didn;t hear the back door reopening and closing just behind your back.

“(y/n)? is that… is that you? your mom said i’d probably find you out here.”

it was like the world stopped spinning, pulling you out of your trance as you whipped your head around to be faced with the one person who both dreaded and wanted to see the most. seo changbin, in the flesh. and he was…. buff.

it was like a dam broke behind your eyes and you smiled softly as a few tears trickled down your face.

“hi, binnie.”

he grinned at your words, clearly relieved that you recognized him, and held his arms open for a hug. you couldn’t help yourself from getting up and leaning into him - it was like your body was working on its own accord. you both stood in silence for a few moments, and it was like nothing had changed at all.

“you’re still short.”

“hey, so are you!” you sniffled, pulling away to wipe your face on your sleeve. “i was so scared you wouldn’t remember me, or like me anymore.”

he seemed shocked at your confession, holding your face in his hands as he searched your face to understand what you were feeling.

“how could i ever forget you, or not like you? i’ve been praying on the day i’d see you again, stupid.” the grin on his face was infectious, and you couldn’t help but take the opportunity to poke fun at him again.

“you still scrunch your nose up like a bunny when you smile, too.”

“how could i not? my favorite girl is finally home.”

taglist: join taglists here @pretty-racha @skz-streamer @hyunjiins @backintomykpopphaseagain @demetrisscarf

#mixtape-racha #mixtape-racha fic #5 seconds of skz-series #5soskz-series #stray kids fic #skz fic #stray kids x reader #stray kids x reader fic #skz x reader #skz x reader fic #stray kids fluff #skz fluff #stray kids x reader fluff #skz x reader fluff #changbin fic #changbin fluff #changbin x reader #changbin x reader fic #changbin x reader fluff

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sapporo-division · 7 months ago

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“Thee who will stand for something if he believes it to be right and just”

Timeline

Age 0

Born to the eldest son of Alexander and Kimiko Kuraokami in London, England.

Both heads of the White and Kuraokami family (Alexander’s father and Kimiko’s father) have made an arranged marriage for Alexander and Kimiko.

They gradually get to know each other by discussing serious topics of politics and marketing, though neither develops romantic feelings for each other.

Alexander started drinking alcohol and eventually got drunk, which led to him accidentally impregnating Kimiko before they were married. Several months later, she gave birth to Yuki when she was 17.

Age 1

A year later, his father and mother were officially married.

Although Kimiko had to complete her high school and university studies, she stayed home in the Kuraokami household, raising Yuki independently, meanwhile, Alexander worked at his family’s company WHITE Corporation

Age 3

His young brother, Morine Kuraokami was born.

By the time Kimiko turned 20, she was still raising both Yuki and Morine with the help of her maids and butlers.

Had already learned how to walk and the ABCs. He was then taught to read, eventually becoming a fast learner from reading many books.

Age 5

His second younger brother, Torvald Kuraokami was born.

Attends primary school.

His father was summoned to handle an urgent matter concerning establishing another branch of WHITE Corp. in other countries so he left the household without specifying when he would return. As a result, he has been away for a month.

Age 8

His mother hosted a tea party for her socialite friends, a group of women who spent much of their conversation bragging about their children’s achievements. Kimiko felt envious, almost as if she had been defeated by them. This drove her to become harshly strict by pushing him to excel relentlessly—whether in academics, sports, music, or any skill that could help him outshine other talented children his age.

She prevented him from going outside to play with other children or forming close friendships with anyone from a lower social class, allowing him only to interact with other privileged and spoiled children.

She also treats Morine with equal severity as Yuki, demanding that he also should strive to become an exemplary second son of the Kuraokami family. Whenever he and Morine managed to enjoy themselves, she would take away anything they loved to keep them from distractions, ensuring they stayed focused on becoming the family’s finest heirs.

Age 10

His younger sister, Ane Kuraokami was born.

Attends a highly prestigious all-boys public school in Berkshire.

Received excellent grades and has often been very diligent with his studies at school.

Found a sickly stray cub lying in the dark alley and brought it to his home to take care of it. Becoming fond of the cub for weeks and decides to name it Blanc as his pet.

Meets a classmate who surprisingly treats him kindly and doesn’t mind his cold demeanor. For the first time, he felt as if he had made a true friend and they became close.

His mother slowly notices Yuki slacking off in his studies and his perfect grades slipping slightly due to spending time with his friend. She uses her influence to unfairly “remove” the boy along with his family, out of Yuki’s life. Unknowingly, his friend hasn’t shown up at school ever.

Age 11

His mother was invited to an exclusive high-class gathering in Japan to discuss important matters, so she left the family home and traveled there.

She hired renowned tutors for Yuki and Morine's lessons, leaving her children in the care of her relatives.

At the gathering, she reconnected with several longtime colleagues from her father’s circle. The elite guests were engaged in lively conversations and one of them mentioned Otome Tohoten, who had recently announced the formation of the Party of Words and was also present at the event.

Initially, Kimiko wasn’t paying much attention to the new organization she had just heard about but suddenly, Otome approached her directly.

Otome had learned about Kimiko’s background and her marriage to a foreign husband who had significant access to international logistics with connections worldwide. Intrigued by Kimiko's situation, Otome had wanted to meet her in person.

They spoke for a while and Otome shared her experiences with men and the motivations behind her plans.

Inspired by Otome’s revolutionary vision, Kimiko decided to work with her cause, eventually becoming the head of Chuohku Foreign Affairs and a member of the Party of Words.

Age 13

His father returned home for a rare short-term vacation.

On his 13th birthday, his parents did something unexpected as they took the whole Kuraokami family to a nearby Renaissance fair that was held at that time. The fair was bustling with stalls, games, and people dressed in medieval costumes, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere.

Stumbled upon a storytelling tent where he first heard the tale of King Arthur and his loyal Knights of the Round Table.

Instantly captivated, he admired the character of King Arthur and was fascinated by the ideals of bravery and loyalty between comrades.

His interest quickly grew into an obsession when he read every book he could find on Arthurian legends and began collecting memorabilia.

Inspired by his hero, Yuki even adopted knightly phrases and gestures although he's aware of his mother’s strictness. He kept his interests hidden deep within to ensure that she never fully discovered them.

Age 14

His third younger brother, Avaron Kuraokami was born.

Age 17

His second and third younger twin sisters, Eri and Erity Kuraokami were born.

Applied to attend a Japanese high school as suggested by his mother to let him learn about her home country and its culture. Especially, she had plans for him to have a job there in the future.

His mother rents a vacation home in Japan so both of them will live together although she will stay only temporarily as she had to deal with political affairs in other countries, and Yuk will someday live by himself for his studies.

Him and his mother travel to Japan.

Starts high school.

The students in his class were awed by his appearance and how serious and dignified Yuki presented among them but at the same time, they started to feel intimidated as none of the students had difficulties in communicating with him and they started to distance him.

He meets a red-haired student who’s in the same class as him, Naoki Hamasaki although Yuki doesn’t make eye contact or even have a nice conversation with him. Instead, he gave Naoki the cold shoulder of having no interest in talking to him.

None of them had spoken to each other at first but he and Naoki were slowly getting to know each other then eventually, they finally became buddies.

He then also meets and befriends Jakurai Jinguji and Hitoya Amaguni (they’re two years apart so he considers them to be his upperclassmen).

He has done an excellent job in school.

Age 20

After graduating from high school last year, he and Naoki went their separate ways.

Starts working as an intern in an infrastructure company.

Eventually landed his first commission: a project to construct a museum in Okinawa.

Travels to Naha, Okinawa by private jet.

The construction work was demanding and after staying in Naha for a few weeks, he became exhausted. On his days off, he decided to explore the city and was captivated by the lively yet peaceful atmosphere. The warmth of Okinawa contrasted with the cold bustling environment of Sapporo.

One evening as the sun was setting, Yuki stopped to rest on the beach. Mesmerized by the stunning scenery, he encountered a curious 9-year-old boy who wondered why he had been standing on the beach for so long.

The boy befriended him and they began meeting regularly. Yuki was intrigued by the boy who wasn’t intimidated by him like many of his previous colleagues had been. Instead, the boy treated Yuki like an equal. Yuki was glad to have made a friend, especially since his albinism often caused others to distance themselves from him.

However, their meetings didn’t last long as Yuki completed the museum project and had to return to Sapporo for another assignment. Sadly, he never got the chance to say goodbye to the young boy.

Although they may never meet again, Yuki will always cherish the brief friendship they shared in Okinawa.

Age 21

Travels back to the UK temporarily.

When Torvald turns 17, he has had enough of the strict household rules that have tormented him mentally for years. He starts having a huge fight with his parents for pushing him to his breaking point of becoming as successful as Yuki and Morine, which he has often been compared to doing better.

Their parents aren’t happy with Torvald and he proclaims he will leave the family for good and never comes home so he runs away from home.

Torvald has never come home ever since.

Several months later, his parents assigned him to stay in Japan to work at his father’s company as the vice president of WHITE CO., which is headquartered there.

Age 22

His fourth youngest sister, Madoka Kuraokami was born.

Age 23

Travels to Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Meets Iwao Masuda while walking through Odori Park in Sapporo during his busy lunch break from overworking.

Notices a crowd gathering around a street magician who performs a trick that seemingly defies logic. Despite his reluctance to get involved, he’s drawn to Iwao’s unusual performance and the way he engages the crowd.

Iwao singles him out in the audience by attempting a card trick involving Yuki. He coldly points out what he believes is the “obvious” method of the trick only for Iwao to surprise him with a flawless reveal.

Intrigued by the magician's skill, he stays to watch. Ultimately challenging him to reveal how he does his tricks. Iwao laughs it off and instead, invites him to grab coffee after his performance, sensing a hidden curiosity in him.

Over time, they develop an unlikely friendship. Iwao appreciates Yuki’s blunt honesty and he gradually finds Iwao’s carefree, whimsical nature very refreshing.

Age 25

His fourth youngest brother, Hikaru Kuraokami was born.

Age 30

Meets Yoichi Shujo by chance near his apartment building where Yoichi is cornered by a group of bullies.

Reluctantly intervenes by scaring off the bullies with his no-nonsense demeanor. He notices Yoichi’s bruises and withdrawn expression but brushes off any urge to get involved further.

Encounters Yoichi again but late at night, he is standing on a bridge alone and appears to be distressed. He initially walks away but feels a pang of pity so Yuki turns back to check on the young boy and prevents him from jumping.

Over time, he finds himself frequently crossing paths with Yoichi in moments of crisis, offering quiet but steady support. Yoichi gradually opens up to Yuki, growing to admire him and feeling valued for the first time.

Though he remains reserved, he becomes a protective figure in Yoichi’s life by helping him face his struggles.

Age 32 - Present

In a couple of years, he has juggled a hectic job in balancing his architectural commissions and his role as Vice President of WHITE Corp.

Appointed to meet up with his mother at the cafe where she gave him three Hypnosis Microphones, informing him that he had been selected to participate in the Division Rap Battle, based on her recommendation to Otome. As she left, she expressed high expectations for him to win her approval and was eager to see which team members he would choose.

He bumped into Yoichi Shujo who was distressed while searching for a scoop for the news headlines. Coincidentally, both overheard a rumor about the smuggling of illegal microphones in Sapporo.

He and Yoichi headed to Odori Park to seek help from Yuki’s longtime friend, Iwao Masuda, who had inside information.

The trio then decided to collaborate, brainstorming ideas on where the smuggling might have taken place. They planned to infiltrate the location and put an end to the operation. In the end, they successfully apprehended the smugglers. However, they discovered that the illegal microphones were a cover for real contraband—guns and explosives. Thanks to their seamless teamwork, Yuki began to trust in Iwao and Yoichi's abilities.

Forms the team and becomes a leader of Polar Knights.

Schedule

11:00 PM - 5:00 AM: Asleep

5:00 AM - 5:30 AM: Wakes up and takes shower

5:30 AM - 6:00 PM: Breakfast while reading Arthur book

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Takes Blanc to the mountains and hands it over to the pet sitter

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Heads to the infrastructure company

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Design works and projects

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Design more projects, review blueprints, and team meeting

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Visit the construction site (oversee the progress)

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Heads to WHITE Corp.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Managing and paperworks

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Picks up Blanc and return home

10:30 PM - 11:00 PM: Finishing other paperwork (doesn’t usually eats dinner and only drinks grape soda)

11:00 PM - 5:00 AM: Asleep

Character Hashtags

Regular Hashtags

#Workaholic and genius architect

#Logic over emotions

#Arthur fanatic

#Elsa’s incarnation

Trauma Hashtags

#Forced to throw away my merriment

#Uphold the Kuraokami principles

#Coldhearted king

Other Info

Hobby: snowboarding

Weakness: couldn’t understand his own emotions and being oblivious

Trauma: “As a child, I was forced to study relentlessly night and day to be the best. I can vividly remember that was the last time I cried”

Twitter: SirKukami

Drinks: Yes

Smoke: Yes

Special Skill: “I may not understand emotions. However, I can deduce people’s psychology by their actions”

Intro Quote: “As my favorite hero has quoted: A true king serves his people, not one who commands them.”

Trauma Quote: “Even if I’m blessed with the knowledge, talent, and position bestowed on me, why do I still feel empty inside? What must I do to ease this unsettling feeling”

#hypmic #hypmic oc #hypnosis mic #hypnosis mic oc #oc division #sapporo division #polar knights #yuki kuraokami #iwao masuda #yoichi shujo #timeline #twitter #regular tags #trauma tags

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emilithia · 4 months ago

Text

Content uploads update, or lack thereof

Like said in the description of the latest first-new video, I will be taking the time of the day to get things in my real life sorted.

I've been fighting for fame and recognition for 8 years, probably 6 even, as at the start I was doing stuff for the fun of it, if anything. However, since 2019 I've been desperately longing for recognition, fame, and what comes with it- possible income, and, unfortunately, nothing was achieved. Now, I've been standing still for 3 years, waiting for something to change, in cost of my health, mental and physical, and, well, something certainly did change, as in, well, threats to shut down everything I have left.

There's a lot that needs to be said, however, it appeared to be a lot more than I originally intended. However, if you're interested in some insights, partial venting, etc., you're welcome to keep reading.

I haven't grown as a person since, when I certainly should have, more so, as stuff has been getting worse. I thought social media would be all I ever needed, in the means of income, entertainment, socializing, etc., but it's been proven time and time again not to be true. I've met some good people here, for sure, but bad ones as well, more even, if I'm being honest, and some really helped to plant the idea of not needing any changes, at all. And in the end, for cutting ties with them, all I've got was constant weird obsessive behavior, online harassment, stalking, doxxing at some point even, false allegations, and much more. I thought venting it out in animation and art would do the work, just like it did before, however, being in this constant negative state, remembering all the shit that went down, basically living through it again and again, is not productive, not for me, not for people I still live with. My mental breakdowns came from once every few months, to once a month, to a thing that can stick up for a week, and it's really awful, being in this state of despair, questioning whether or my life has any value in it, or thinking about the inevitable.

I've always tried to live by following my dreams, however, it just recently occurred to me, that most if not all people saying that either worked harder than anyone could imagine, or had it given to them on a silver platter by pure luck of being born in a rich family and/or having connections to some, who can do everything for them, of which I happened to have none. As much as I would've wanted it to be otherwise, I'm just another person in this world, where next to none care about my dreams, what I'm capable of, and so on. It hurts, but it's the way it is.

The past two months I've been working to get better, in small things, for now. Right now, I have not that much of a choice, but to help my parents at work, and I'll be starting to learn fourth language, to adapt, get higher ed., and basically survive here, as much as I would've wanted to get back in my home country, despite the situation out there.

Only time will tell how well it all would go.

As far as my plans go, I don't plan to leave permanently, at least for now. I have too much planned in store, to just leave and never get a chance to tell the stories that I've got. These past two months of self digging and discovering made me realize a lot, about the projects, themes, and so much more, and what they tell not only about themselves, but also me. It would be only a pleasure to let y'all into these worlds of mine, but, like I said, not now. I've got a work to do.

I really needed to get this out. Thank you for reading this brain-storm. I value your attention!

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levis-coffeecup · 10 months ago

Text

chapter 27| Forgotten Flowers

WC-7.3k

Summary

The underground is filthy and dark. Dim lights, dull alleys, and desperate hearts. A place Levi knows as well as the back of his hand, and a place he would do anything to get out of.

Chapters of life roll by and with the turn of a page, things drastically change. In front of him is the opportunity to live on the surface. And the flimsy bridge that he has to cross. From an uncivil criminal to a disciplined soldier.

But life on the surface seems tougher amidst all the mockery, civilities, and the gaping hole left in his heart, after the demise of his dear friends Isabel and Farlan.

Content/Warnings

canon- compliant, canon-typical violence, spoilers for No Regrets OVA, descriptions of PTSD, grief, depression, heavy angst and themes, strong language, self-hate, physical assault.

Author’s Note

Heyyyy

Sorry for disappearing for 2 weeks without saying anything 🤡.

I had to look for a house, and work was also really busyy, so I didn't have the time to work on the fic. But my apologies for not updating again!

This chapter has a lot of time skips, so do keep the dates in mind to understand the timeline better. Also the last chapter ended with Levi going for the Mission to Reclaim Shinghansina, so this chapter will be more about post season 3 scenes, and season 4 timeskip stuff.

I hope you enjoyyy! Would love to know your feedback in the comments. Song for this chapter is Happiness by Orange Rex Country

Chapters

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Masterlist | Playlist | Other Works

AUG 850

Maria has been reclaimed, and the people of Paradis rejoice. Throwing flower petals at the 8 remaining members of the Survey Corps.

This is the first time they have been welcomed this way. And this is the first time they have ever won. But Levi feels nothing close to victorious, as he tredges down the streets of Trost.

His feet ache, and the crowd cheers.

Silently he suffocates in the praises people sing of him.

For he has returned, not a valiant warrior, but a wimp who couldn’t even complete the promise he made to his dying commander.

The sound of the creaking wagons behind him is loud amidst the cheer. Erwin rests there, and so do Moblit, Marlo and many others. They couldn’t even get most of the bodies back, because of the shortage of carts.

And Levi has always been a part of their death, but this time, all responsibility falls on him. It was his decision to let his comrades march to death. It was his incompetence that let the beast titan slip away.

And now his shoulders can’t help but quake. For he has returned with unfathomable grief, and the weight of the entire survey corps on his head.

The loudness of the crowd, and the silence of his sadness are all too overwhelming. And Levi sighs, wondering if the heaviness in his heart will ever recede.

Hange agrees to take his horse back to the base. And Levi pushes through the people on the street, struggling to maintain the impertinent scowl that always rests on his face.

Soon his tired eyes meet the beautiful brown of hers.

She’s standing at the doorstep of their house. So grateful that he’s come back alive.

His breath quivers. It feels like it took him hours to reach her, as if he was walking in an endless circle.

“Levi,” her voice is one of love. She takes a step closer to him. Studying his body, smeared with victor’s blood. And he’s tried to hold it all in for so so long. But he’s home now, he can’t help but let his emotions crack through the mask.

“Levi…,” she puts a hand on his cheek, trying to elicit a reaction from him.

A few seconds pass by, thick in silence and then he lunges forward towards her. His arms encircling around her waist as he buries his face into the crook of her neck.

And she gasps, as she feels the slight tremor in his frame.

He reeks. Of sweat, of blood. Of death, of failure. And she can’t help but pull him closer, hoping that if she holds him tighter, it brings back all his pieces together.

She doesn’t know what he’s been through. And she doesn’t know what hurt him so bad, that he dares to hug her when they’re still standing at the doorsteps of their home.

But she wants to tell him that everything will be alright, and that he’s amazing. She knows he’s trying his best, and he’s fought to the best of his abilities in the mission as well.

But Levi always pushes her away.

Too proud to show his weakness. Too frightened to discuss his vulnerabilities. And Mae knows that he probably wants to pretend like he’s all alone. That he’s not breaking down like this in front of her.

The people around stop and stare. It’s not everyday that you see a man seek comfort out in public, much less Humanity’s Strongest.

And so Mae pulls him inside the house, away from the eyes that gawk during his times of weakness. She makes him sit on the sofa, so she gets the freedom to kiss his misery away.

“Levi, I’ve run a warm bath for you.” She speaks and Levi hums, thoughtlessly.

His brain has stopped working, or maybe he’s forcing it to shut. Not having the strength to face its never ending cynicism.

And so he lets her guide him to the bathroom. He lets her undress him and press a kiss on the new scar on his temple.

The warm water feels faintly welcoming. And as Levi dips himself in the bathtub, Mae sits on the platform behind him.

For a moment the only thing that remains is the stillness of the water, and the shell of the person Levi once used to be. Quaintly numb and horribly devastated.

The world hasn’t been gentle enough with him.

And so Mae lights a few scented candles around, hoping he doesn’t forget about the beautiful things in life.

It’s painfully domestic, and surprisingly Levi doesn’t complain. It's not like him to tolerate her presence when he’s so emotionally wrecked. Usually he gets snappy and pushes her away.

But this time his eyes are pleading to her. Asking her to stay.

And so she takes her time to wash him and his sins away. With gentle eyes, gentler fingertips and the gentlest lips.

And he gives in.

He gives in to her, as she lather soap around his shoulders. He gives in to her kind touches as she splashes warm water across his back. It makes him feel so loved and cherished, as if he’s a person who can still be accepted.

His eyes flutter shut, and he lets her find himself in places he’s never been in before. Vulnerable and naked, whilst she remains clothed behind him.

Her touches find his trembling skin. His bloodied hands that still quake under the weight of his regrets. And her lips find the souvenirs of war on his skin, scourged and engraved against his body. She tries to be the softest there, kissing all the spots where he’s been stabbed and hurt before.

When she looks up at him, his eyes are a crumbling shade of gray. And she sees the way he thinks he is a disgusting weakling. Nothing but a failure who couldn’t do anything.

And she dares to tell him that she loves him exactly the way he is. His scars, his bruises, and his battered soul that has been broken once again.

She dares to tell him that he’ll always be so much more beautiful than all his downfalls.

And Levi finds it easier to cry when water is already streaming down his face. He finds it easier to cry when Mae is sitting behind him, with her lips hovering over the sensitive skin of his neck.

He pivots and wraps his arms around her clothed back, keeping his head on her lap.

And Mae begins to comb his hair with her fingers. Making sure the shampoo has been washed off.

His eyes flutter close in surrender. He wonders how he got here? And how did he seek comfort in another person?

He has asked these questions to himself a million times before, and he still doesn’t have an answer..

But he likes to think that the universe gifted her to him. Maybe to compensate for all the people it has taken away from him. Maybe to restore his faith.

That she was supposed to help him grow, and become a better person. And he was born to rest beside her, with his head on her lap and his heart filled with love.

______________________________

FEB 851

Erwin stands tall amidst the oak trees planted in the City Square.

The forelegs of his horse are raised and his face is contorted in rage. His sword yields high, and his other hand is firm, fisted against his chest. A testament of his strength and will, as he carries his cadets into the storm of conflict.

The details of his face are set in stone . And dedicate your heart is etched in bold, right below it.

Needless to say, he looks glorious.

And Levi looks at his statue, with a distant look on his face.

The glory was never worth the carnage, and the war was never about bravery, it was about horror. And Mae sighs as her gaze lingers on Levi.

He came back to her in ruins, and she has tried awfully hard to piece him back together. But sometimes he still drifts off to a place, unreachable./ on some days, she still sees him crumble under the weight of his vows.

She wraps her hand around his wrist and tugs his arm.

“You were taking me to some market, weren't you?” Her sweet voice pulls him out of his thoughts. His features soften. And he lets her bring peace to him.

2 years have passed since the mission to Reclaim Singhansina. And the revelations in Eren’s basement have changed the trajectory for humanity. Or what they thought was the entire human race.

Turns out the entire world is against them.

Yet fortunately, some allies have also been found.

And with the help of the Anti-Marleyan Volunteers and the Azumabitos, Paradis is developing wonderfully. Train tracks are being built and strategies to secure the future are also being concocted.

Titans are no longer something people are scared off. And long gone are those days when soldiers would sacrifice their lives to kill mindless titans.

Things have been peaceful.

And the streets of Mitras look prosperous as ever. With the colorful bougainvilleas planted to the side of the cobblestone path.

“I still remember the day I came to Mitras…,”Mae recalls scornfully. “ They laughed at the dresses I wanted to sell, you know? It was so humiliating.”

And life has changed so much since then.

Mae's clinic has become one of the best in Trost. The line of patients is always long, and she works day and night. More of a workaholic than Levi now.

“I didn't even make enough money to save my parents.” A frown plays on her lips. There are days when old wounds resurface for her as well, sometimes triggered by the randomest of things.

“But you are doing so much better now… aren’t you?” Levi rebuttals with her thoughts, his voice soft. “Not to mention that you earn way more than me. And you’ve managed to save quite a huge amount.”

A genuine smile lights up Mae’s face. And her sun-creased eyes crinkle on the side. Getting praise from Levi still feels amazing. Because it's always genuine

“We've come far…” she affirms. ”We should be proud.”

And Levi’s fingers trail down her forearm, till they reach her palm. Their fingers intertwine, and he holds her hand in a soft grip.

The entrance of the market speaks a ton about its class. There’s a huge wooden arch built at the entrance. Fresh lilies dangle down from it, spreading an aroma that could captivate anyone passing by.

Carriages of the nobles are parked adjacent to it, stacked in a neat line, and chauffeurs stand outside, bored by the wait. The military police crowds around the gates, guarding it with astonishing discipline.

And Mae gasps, taken aback by the grandiose of the market.

The stalls are decorated with frilled tablecloths, and fragrant flowers are twirled around the pillars. A shop even sells small souvenirs of the railway trains that are being made. And there is seafood too, a special cuisine from the land of Marley.

Unlike most markets, this one isn’t loud. Ladies laugh, in their poised, practiced laugh. And the men speak in their fancy accent.

It makes Levi crinkle his nose. "Well, this place reeks of pretentiousness. I bet none of these swines could survive a day outside their fancy walls."

And Mae chuckles a little. “I'm surprised you wanted to come here of all places, Levi. You’ve always hated the nobility. “

“But I know you like fancy ass places.” Levi comments with nonchalance. His eyes land on a fashion boutique to his far right. Dainty, feminine dresses are placed on display, visible through the large glass facade.

And Levi doesn’t hesitate a second, before leading Mae to the shop.

Soon they step inside, and Mae’s eyes grow wide in awe. It doesn’t take long for her to slip her fingers out of his hand, and sashay around.

The store is as huge as the conference room at the Survey Corps. Tall wooden cabinets break the area into several aisles and the shelves are stocked with all kinds of fancy fabrics and clothes.

Much to Levi’s liking, there aren’t many people inside. And he strolls around, watching the wide collection of opulent garments.

His attention lands on a beautiful shade of peach that stands out in the pile of clothes stacked in the compartments. And he pulls it out to see the whole dress.

The fitted bodice is adorned with delicate details of lace. Its puffy sleeves are made of mesh, attached in line with the sweetheart neckline. And the skirt below is airy and voluminous, with layers of organza to add fluffiness.

Mae falls in love with it as soon as her eyes land on it. “That seems like something a princess would wear,” she gapes, as she ushers closer towards it.

There's another dress in her hand. A white one made of silk. And Levi feels a lump growing in the middle of his throat as he looks at it. “This dress looks so similar to what your dad made for your 18th birthday.”

And Mae nods, blinking away the stinging sensation in her eyes. “I always felt so guilty about selling that dress off, especially when it didn’t help me save either of them... But this feels like the universe is giving me another chance.”

And Levi’s smiles as he imagines her in all white. With satin bows on the bodice, and her skirt twirling around with every movement she makes. He's always wondered what she would look like in it, since it was her favorite dress.

He places his hand on the small of her back and he leads her to the front of the store. “Let’s get it then.”

And Mae hums as she turns to the shopkeeper.

But all her wishes come crashing down when she hears the price.

Her jaw drops and the silence that falls next is deafening.

The amount is beyond her imagination. For a moment she had truly forgotten how expensive this market was supposed to be.

“Should I pack it for you?” the shopkeeper asks with a practiced smile.

“NO,” her answer is immediate. And then she plasters a sweet smile as she keeps the dresses on the counter. But before she can march towards the exit, Levi grabs her wrist and drags her behind a shelf, where it’s just the two of them.

His brows furrow, and his eyes bore into hers. “Do you not like them?” He asks with all seriousness.

And Mae’s gaze flicks to the floor.

“It’s too expensive,” she mumbles. ”Now that I think about it, father wouldn’t want me to pay 3 times more for a dress that he made for free… I’d rather save that money.” She tries to convince herself.

But Levi doesn’t miss the subtle frown pulling on her lips.

“That’s fair…” He ponders for a moment. “But I don’t think your father would disapprove of me getting the dresses for you.”

And for a moment, all Mae can do is stand in shock. Her lips part, and her eyes grow wide with bewilderment. “You can’t buy me those dresses, Levi.” She crosses her arms in front of his chest.

“Any why not?”

“Because I earn way more than you, and no way am I going to let you buy even o-.”

He cuts her off by keeping a finger on the plush of her lips. His eyes trail from her mouth to her eyes. And he holds her in his gaze for a moment.

The months after the Return to Shinghasina were so hard. Hell chased Levi back from the battleground. And he found himself falling in an endless pit of horrors. Again and again. Over and over.

And throughout his battles with his own mind, Mae remained awfully patient.

He’d snap at her, still annoyed at the fact that he couldn’t save his comrades from the massacre by the beast titan.

He’d sit sad and dejected, crumbling under the weight of his vows. And she would look at him in pain, not knowing how to help him.

He would refuse her touch, sleeping on the edge of the bed, believing that he didn’t deserve it. And she would watch the war consume.

But not once did she raise her voice at him. Her gentleness with him was constant, no matter how difficult he was being.

And it's only the love she has shown him in the past few months that has made him accept himself again.

“Just because you earn more than me, doesn’t mean I can’t treat you.” He hooks his hand under her chin, lifting her face up so he can meet her gaze.

“Silly girl,” His voice comes out exceptionally soft.

He can never put into words how grateful he is to have her and so he presses a quick kiss on her lips. Hoping it does half of the job.

And Mae gawks, unable to recognize the man in front of her. He’s kissing her in the back of a store, holding her hand as they walk through the road. Ready to spend a month's salary on a dress she desires.

This is not the practical man she fell in love with.

But whatever it is, she feels loved and cherished.

“Are you sure, Levi? I won’t judge if you want to chicken out at any moment… It's a huge amount.” She tries to dapper her excitement by acting modest.

But he just nods. She’s worth so much more than the dress he’s about to buy. And unfortunately, it’s all Levi can’t afford at the moment. He hopes he can give her the world one day.

They walk back to the front of the store and the shopkeeper greets them with a smile again.

“The price might have thrown you off guard but both of them are from an exclusive couture collection.“ He goes off as he lays both the dresses on the counter. “Although we can surely find something cheaper for the lady.”

“Cut the crap-” Levi barges. “We’re purchasing it.”

And Mae taps her chin. The sweetness of the moment makes her heart melt a bit.

“I can’t decide which one to get though,” she mumbles, biting her lip. “The peach one definitely excites me more, since I’ve never worn something like that, but the white one really reminds me of my dad. And a part of me will feel guilty if I pick another dress over what my dad made.”

“Well… Levi's voice drawls. “If you’re feeling so conflicted …I can decide for you if you want.”

And there’s not an ounce of hesitation in his voice as he turns to the shopkeeper and says, “we’ll be purchasing both of them.”

Mae gasps, and then she nudges at his side, fazed. But he just blinks at her, as if everything is alright. Slowly her eyes light up like that of a little child, and he wishes he could pause the moment.

He is quick to hand out the cash, as if he’s been preparing for this moment all his life.

And Mae’s cheeks turn flush, as the shopkeeper packs the dresses and hands them to Levi. For a moment she feels too flustered to string a coherent sentence. And it’s only when they’ve stepped out of the store does she speak again.

“I almost drained your entire wallet.” She coyly stumbles over her words. “But thanks Levi, I appreciate it a lot! “

“Tch, stop acting like a formal, snobby brat.” He grunts, but his eyes glint with fondness.

They step into the busy streets again, and Levi's hand lands on the small of her back. Ensuring that he doesn't lose her in the crowd of the market.

The section they enter next is gleaming with gold on every fixture. Intricate necklaces studded with gems are on display at every corner. And mannequins are decorated with accessories that only royals could sport.

The security is tighter here, and Levi’s sure all the jewelry is made of pure gold.

“I’m so excited to wear these dresses, Levi!” Mae squeals .

H er energy spills out in waves of enthusiasm, and she walks with a slight hop in her step.

Levi finds her rather cute in her childlike excitement.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I’m feeling right now. I’ll wear the peach dress for a date, we’ll have a romantic dinner on the terrace where we’ll slow dance under the stars… and the white one would be perfect for a picnic.”

And Levi chews the inside of his cheeks. Baffled that she’s still so excited to spend time with him. After years of being together. Instead, he decides to focus on the elaborate displays of jewelry to stop the blush creeping up on his cheeks.

The sight around him is a manifestation of the luxury and opulence that corrupts this world. It’s something Levi hates, since he’s seen how bad the other side is. He sighs.

Every piece of jewelry is sparkling, and intricate. But they all look the same, with the same stones, the same metal. The nobles are always decked with these. And Levi has met enough thanks to the galas Erwin made him attend to secure funding for the Survey Corps.

“Any of these catch your interest?” He drones, as they walk past the largest stall that stands in the center of the section.

And Mae points her finger towards a ring that's kept in a small glass box. “That looks pretty,” she comments casually.

Oddly enough, Levi can’t recognise the gemstone. It’s a smooth sphere, cream coloured with an iridescent surface that shimmers in various soft hues.

He steps towards it. Inspecting it closer. The gem is like nothing he’s seen before,

It’s softer, white, pure and luminous, just like Mae.

“It does… it’s absolutely gorgeous.” He’s besotted the moment he looks at it.

The previous customer standing at the stall leaves, and the Vendor turns his attention towards Levi. His eyes glint with excitement. “You’re Humanities Strongest, right?”

And Levi hums. It’s common for him to be recognised these days.

“Well, what you’re looking at is not a gemstone… It’s all thanks to you actually… the Survey Corps.…” The vendor opens the glass case, and hands the ring to Levi. “It’s a pearl, a gem from the sea.”

“I see.” Levi takes it in his hand and examines it closer. The surface is smooth and lustrous, but it’s not loud like that of a diamond. ”Must be fairly expensive.”

“It's the most expensive product in this section for sure. ” The vendor chimes.“ It's the most beautiful wedding ring ever made in our studio!”

He extends his hand forward, taking back the ring from Levi’s grasp. “Unfortunately it's not up for sale.”

Levi raises his bow at that, and the vendor continues.

“It's a custom wedding ring made for the Franz family. It’s only up for display… I can make one for you if you’d like though.” The vendor goes on, and Mae looks at Levi, not understanding why he is taking part in such a futile conversation.

She steps closer to him and tugs at his sleeve.

“Let’s go Levi, we have no use for a wedding ring.” All the wedding rings around makes her want to hurl, but she manages to mask the bitterness in her heart.

And Levi throws the ring a final glance, before he decides to walk away as well.

Moments later they are laying on grass and watching the sunset.

It’s a quiet garden just outside the orphanage made for the Underground kids.

The grass is lush, and Levi closes his eyes as a gentle breeze blows by them.

His lithe eyebrows are slightly disheveled but relaxed. And in the outer corner of his eye, there are faint lines that mark all the years he’s spent on this land so far. Time has flown by very fast.

And Mae longs after him in silence.

She’s pampered him so much that he has put on a bit of weight. His thighs have become soft, and his cheeks are much more rounder now. He looks cute, she thinks to herself. This is probably what Levi looked like as a child, with the pudgiest of cheeks.

Ever since the Survey Corps headquarters got shifted to the coast of Paradis, Levi has been spending all of his weekends at home. Trost is convenient to go to the coast, and after Levi got to stay with Mae in the 3 month break after the Battle of Shiganshina, he realized there’s no place he would rather be than next to her.

And so he races back to home, Whether it’s from a long eventful week filled with meetings or a trip to the interior. Every Friday night he’s next to her, with his head on her lap. In the only home he’s ever known.

And Mae, too, finds the house extremely quiet without him, even though Levi hardly makes any noise.

Loving him has become a habit now. It comes easily, From cleaning extra hard, when he comes back home, to understanding the subtlety of his love.

His presence has almost become like the air that she lives on. Something not noticed when everything is perfectly normal. But something that suffocates her when she feels his absence.

“Why are you staring at me instead of the sunset Mae?” Levi doesn’t open his eyes, but he can feel her gaze burning his side.

And Mae bites her lip at his question. A little uncertain

“Levi… “ Her voice comes out hesitant. “You bought me these dresses today, and made me feel so loved, but sometimes I can’t help but wonder if you’re staying with me out of convenience?”

Levi’s eyes flutter open and he turns to his side, facing her.

“ Am I just a habit now?” She chokes, her voice getting caught in her throat. “ Do you not find me beautiful anymore?”

And Levi falls silent, as he looks at her longer. Beautiful is too weak of a word.

“No, not at all… why would you ever think that.” Levi places his hand on her cheek, And then a tint of pink dusts his cheeks as he mumbles, “ I know I don’t say it enough, but I'm grateful to have you.”

“Then…” Mae falters and exhaustion drags through her voice. “Then why wouldn’t you just marry me?

Tears well up in the corners of her eyes. “We’ve known each other for 8 years… and we’ve been in a relationship for 6, I’ve stayed by your side through whatever the world has put us through. I… I don’t know how else I should prove my love towards you?”

And Levi looks at her, at a loss for words. She doesn't need to prove anything to him… He knows she loves him. He knows she loves him with all her heart.

Her voice cracks, heavy with emotion, but she continues. “I don’t understand where the problem is? We do everything that married couples do… We make love, we manage finances. And we’ve also been living together ever since the Survey Corps headquarters got shifted to the outskirts of Paradis.” Her lips quiver, and she tries to suppress her sobs.

But he sees her pain reflect in her orbs.

She’s his peace, in this cruel, chaotic life. But when he looks behind her, the world is still in chaos.

There’s a war out there waiting for him. And if he doesn’t go out and fight it, this world might dangle on the brink of destruction again

“It’s not you Mae…” His voice trails out. “I just don’t see the point in marriage…. I mean we know what we have, so is there any need to bring law into it? And let everyone know of something that’s so private?”

“B-but Levi…,” she refutes quietly. “ I’ve always dreamt of getting married… I’ve always dreamt of getting married to you. Can’t you let your beliefs slide for me? I’m hitting my 30’s… and all my friends are married. Every time I meet someone they ask me when I plan to get married… And it’s humiliating to tell them that I've been with someone for 6 years, and that someone is still not ready to marry me.….Sometimes I feel like you just don’t love me anymore.”

Love, the word repeats in Levi’s subconscious.

He loved her when she was just a scarred apprentice, attempting to find her place in a world where she has lost everyone. He loved her when he became Humanity's Strongest and when she became a measly waitress in a tavern. He loved her despite knowing how fragile their relationship was, and how easily this world could break it apart.

And yet, he still loves her now, as he looks at her tearstruck eyes, asking him why he wouldn’t marry her. But he loves her a little too much to make a widow out of her

And Levi knows he’s fighting a battle that isn’t his. Maybe if this had happened right after he lost Isabel and Farlan, he would have left the Survey Corps and run away with her.

But too many lives have been lost now. He’s made promises to keep and his wounds run too deep. He can’t back out of the war.

And even though things are placid now, this peace is just a temporary illusion. A brief reprieve that’s only meant to be broken.

Because war will come again, knocking on his door. And Levi will be forced to choose between his duty as Humanity’s Strongest and Mae.

His fingertips find its way to her face. Her brows are wrinkled in frustration, and his touch hovers over it. Slowly the lines ease away.

Mae closes her eyes as his feather light touches follow the arch of her eyebrow. And Levi finds it easier to mask the yearning on his face when Mae is not looking at him.

Only he knows how he wants to take her hand, and run away, somewhere far away in some secluded cottage. Just the two of them, with their little kids. He wouldn’t mind if they take more from her, than from him.

Yes he doesn’t believe in marriage, but he doesn’t mind if it makes her life more peaceful.

But peace might only find him in the form of death, before it ever touches the rest of the world.

“The world is too unpredictable right now.” His tone is assertive. It’s a statement not something that is up for discussion.

And once again Levi succeeds in trampling his desires. The mask he always wears, materializes all over. Now his heart is tucked away, somewhere safer, in a dark and distant part.

He has to keep his head over his heart. Even when he falters, even when he trips, he has to be strong.

But when Levi's eyes meet the sorrow in hers, he can’t help but feel like a useless person. “I'm so sorry sweetheart.” he sounds remorseful, “You’re not the problem, I promise…It’s me who’s not able to give you want.”

She shifts closer to him, desperate to feel his presence. And his arms wound tight around her waist as they embrace the path that destiny has set out for them.

Levi loves humanity a little too much to leave it abandoned. And Mae loves Levi as much as he loves humanity. The path set out for them has more agony than happiness.

The sun drowns under the horizon. And they drink up their misery, looking forward to death together.

______________________________

DEC 853

The first ray of dawn only brings sadness to the town.

Levi lays on the bed in a nonchalant state of humaneness. Hair messily falling on his face, tousled by the pillow underneath him. Some stubble on his chin, and his half-draped body naked under the sheets that cover him.

He looks sublime. So beautifully human.

And Mae can’t help but take a seat on the bed, lean over and capture him with a kiss.

That’s all they do for a while. Kiss, embrace, with her fingers entangling into his hair. Heaven only breaks when her tears finally slip in. Leaving a salty aftertaste on his lips.

He catches the glimmer in her eyes, as she pulls away. And Mae tries her best to conceal her grief in the rush of her actions. But it’s Levi after all, he could never miss the slight tremor in her shoulders as she wears the dress that lays discarded on the floor.

It feels like Mae is spending all her efforts to stay away from. He steps into the kitchen, and she turns the other way to drink water. He leans closer, trying to kiss the top of her head, and she pushes away, telling him she needs to take a shit.

It’s only during breakfast that he properly gets to see her face.

Her eyelids are swollen, double the size of what they usually are. And her eyes are masked in a sheer layer of moisture, threatening to spill out any second.

“You were up early.” He questions, testing the waters.

“Yeah… couldn’t get much sleep” Her voice comes out hoarse. And her gaze doesn’t leave the egg that she’s frying on the pan. He can tell she’s been crying for hours.

Levi leaves again, today.

He’s going to the enemy nation. It's not brainless titans that he has mastered slaughtering. It's a whole new country with technology far greater than theirs, and a population that hates their race, for merely existing.

And even though Levi’s been on a hundred missions before. Something about this mission makes Mae stomach churn. Like everything is going to go wrong.

But what's left to say. Levi is going to put himself in danger, and Mae can do nothing to stop him.

And so she runs away from him again. Rushing to their room as soon as she puts the eggs on his plate.

Her grief is loud in all the silence. And Levi feels a little anxious to find out the reason behind her suffering.

“Mae?” he calls out cautiously. Stepping into their room, as he finishes his breakfast.

But words don’t dare to leave her lips, instead she grabs his wrist. Pulling him to where she has laid his clothes out for him.

And in the dim light of dawn, Mae dresses Levi up.

She fastens the belt over his plants, and closes the buttons of his favorite white shirt. Her steady hands speak nothing of her trembling heart.

She drapes the blazer over his broad, strong shoulders.

The air is too thick and the silence cuts like the edge of a dull blade.

And Mae tries to focus on the silken fabric of his tie rather than the pain of him leaving.

The navy brings out the blue in his eyes.

Needless to say Levi looks gorgeous. His suit transforms him from her lover to a soldier bound to his promises. And as Mae steps back to look at Levi, the tears that she’s trying to cage, come back with full force.

“It's been 7 years Levi… 7 years since we’ve been together… Can you believe it?” Her lips meld into a sad smile. “Time has passed away so quickly, hasn’t it? It feels like it was moments ago when I saw you sitting on that boulder, like an arrogant asshole… Who would have known I’d almost spend a decade with you.”

Levi smiles at her words. Tilting her head towards him, so that he can look at her. Their gazes lock, and a universe of shared memories and unspoken words pass through their minds.

And as Mae gives his tie a final tug, her voice comes out so defeated. “I tried to keep up with you, you know? Walk at your pace, so I could be alongside you on every path you take... But you’re so much more stronger Levi, so much more faster. You are a force of nature that no one could ever stop.”

Her touches linger, laden with yearning. And the pain reflecting in her eyes makes it torturous for him to gaze into them.

He tries to shush her cries away by pressing a lingering kiss on the top of her head. Again and again, hoping the familiarity mulls her to a happier place.

“And now my legs are giving up, my bones are becoming weak. You're pacing forward and I’m slowing down… I- I’m afraid I’ll be left behind.“ Her voice quivers, and she breaks into shambles. “I was a fool to think I was strong enough to endure this?”

And when he sees her like this, choking up on her own words. With her eyes swollen, and her lips trembling with heaving exhales. He feels his strength dwindling out as well.

“W-what are you trying to say sweetheart, I’m n-not able to understand it.” His voice comes out frail. “No one’s leaving you behind.”

Stay. Mae thinks, as she looks at him. Eyes filled with both love and torment.

Time has weakened me, and I’m not the same young girl who could go months without meeting you just to see a glimpse of your face by the end of it.

Stay, while I take a moment to catch my breath.

So she places both her hands on his cheeks, making sure they memorize every scar on his face. “C-can you hold me for some time… before you leave?”

And how can Levi not give in?

He takes a seat on the edge of bed, with her positioned on his lap.

She buries her head into his chest. And he encircles his arms around her waist. Rubbing long soothing strokes against her back.

But her tears don’t stop. No matter how many kisses he leaves on her face.

He can only watch as her body rakes with sobs.

Half an hour passes away in mere seconds.

But her grip only gets tighter. She cries harder. Forcing him to stay put. If he had the choice to stay he really would. It hurts to leave when she’s in so much distress. But life has never been kind enough to give him choices.

“You know I must go,” he speaks with sadness.

Her sobs get louder .

There are words on the very tip of her tongue that are dying to come out. But time is cruel as usual.

“5 m-minutes more p-please.” She turns on his lap, so that her back is pressed to his chest. Her fingers intertwine with all of his, and she leads his hands to the swell of her belly. Keeping it there, for the last few seconds she spends with him.

“I’m s-sorry… sweetheart.” His voice breaks. It hurts to be the cause of all her sadness. But the world outside is waking, and Levi can’t afford to stay on the sidelines for too long.

And so he forces himself away, knowing he physically won’t be able to separate himself from her if she still keeps holding onto him.

Gently he picks her from his lap, and places her on the bed. ”I’ll have to go now, I’ll miss my ship.”

He tries to step away but thoughtlessly she catches his wrist.

“Levi….” She begs and he takes in a sharp breath .

“Levi… I’ve loved y-you with everything I’ve had.” She speaks between her sobs. And her eyes look so lifeless, it makes Levi’s heartbreak.

“I know… I know.” He mutters as he takes steps closer, trying to comfort her. And she is quick to wrap her arms around his waist again, resting her head against his abdomen.

“So the next time, when you come back, you’ll come back only for me… No Survey Corps, no military, no politics, no Anti-Marleyan squad.” It's not an order, not even a desire. Her words hover on the brink of a desperate plea.

And he presses a lingering kiss on the top of her head, before he steps away and walks to the doorsteps.

Silence hangs like a bereaved soul, as Levi and Mae share a final kiss. “Take care of yourself,” He takes her hand and brings it to his lips. Pressing a kiss on her knuckles.

And before he can hear the torment in her voice, he walks the other way. Knowing that he’ll never be able to leave if he catches a glimpse of her heartbroken face again.

She leans on the door frame, watching him slip away. The tears streaming down her face seem unstoppable. And t ime runs so painfully slow, it feels like she’ll have to relearn how to breathe again.

“Levi,” she calls out one last time . Her voice is forced into a low whisper, and he’s meters away from her . She begs the universe that he turns back.

And he does stop, chin jutting over his shoulder, face somber with emotion he wishes he could blink away.

And the both of them stand with their sadness. Wishing they had the time to complete all the talks that have been left incomplete. All the desires that have been left unfulfilled.

He flashes her a reassuring smile nevertheless.

And with the little strength that remains in her, she forces a smile as well. Hoping that if this is the last time Levi sees her in this lifetime, then his last memory of her is that of her smile.

Yet amidst the happiness they try to force, their eyes remain truthful, real and plain. A final sentiment shared between.

Don't forget to keep your promise .

Author's note:

Don't know how this chapter is tbh because it was really long to edit lol. But let me know what you think.

We're kinda near the end of the story tbh (I don't know if that is surprising hahah).

Also the whole dresses convo in scene 2 comes from Mae selling her dresses of in Chapter 5. (Just incase someone has forgotten because I'm taking too long to update these days)

Please don't forget to vote, if you enjoyed!

See you soon<3

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arimiadev · 3 months ago

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recommendations of visual novels on sale for the steam spring sale 2025

spring is almost here and with it is Steam's Spring Sale! like usual, it will run for the next two weeks, so if you're looking for a new visual novel to try (or want to get into them), here's a lot that I've played that are on sale on steam.

umineko when they cry

notes:

kinetic/linear - no choices

VERY long, 120+ hours (over all 8 episodes)

divided into two games on steam - Questions Arcs is the first 4 episodes and Answers Arcs is the last 4 episodes (8 episodes in total, play Questions Arcs first)

created by Ryukishi07, creator of Higurashi

fantasy vs mystery

ace attorney

notes:

investigative gameplay segments, a good chunk of the story is point-and-click parts

pretty long for the whole trilogy- each game is around 20 hours long and the steam edition is 3 games

modern murder mystery with supernatural elements

of the devil

in a cyberpunk world where everyone has cameras connected to the police infrastructure, how do you get away with crime? get a killer lawyer.

meet ace attorney with gambling addict lesbians in one of the most stylish games I've seen in years, all made by a very tiny indie team. currently only episode 1 is released, but it's well worth your time if you're a fan of detective-style murder mystery visual novels.

notes:

only episode 1 is out (around 9-13 hours)

lots of interactive segments similar to ace attorney, but with more variety for questioning segments

sci-fi murder mystery

ai: the somnium files

notes:

long, around 25-35 hours

a lot of gameplay and interactive segments

sci-fi murder mystery

english voice acting

witch on the holy night

notes:

kinetic / linear - no choices

long, around 25-30 hours

modern-ish (1980s) fantasy with lots of talking about magic

ghostpia

a snowy town filled with "ghosts" is where the young woman sayako finds herself trapped, feeling like she doesn't belong and wants to leave this town where no one dies.

notes:

medium length, around 10 hours

very innovative and unique use of visuals and paneling

surreal-ish (sometimes violent) fantasy

please be happy

notes:

medium to long, about 20 hours

2 romanceable ladies, aspen and juliet, and a plethora of side characters to meet via a map system

modern slice-of-life fantasy

english voice acting

WE KNOW THE DEVIL

find yourself back at summer camp with all the queer religious horror of it.

notes:

very short, about 2 hours

3 endings and 1 true ending

isolation, psychological horror

fate/stay night

seven mages known as masters summon heroic and fictional characters from the pantheon of history to fight it out over the ultimate magical item - the holy grail.

notes:

pretty long, 70+ hours

3 routes / heroines to be with with lots of bad endings

modern fantasy, battle royale

mamiya

the end of the world is near. what will you do in the final months? and who is this "MAMIYA" who proclaims their love for you?

notes:

check out the content warnings before reading

medium length, but is segmented into a lot of chapters that make it easy to pick back up

dark modern mystery with supernatural elements

a date with death

the grim reaper contacts you saying he wants your soul. naturally, you respond...with flirting??

a date with death is a free game but it does have paid DLC so I'm including it here because I want to. it's a comfy chatsim romance visual novel about, well, courting the grim reaper.

notes:

short, around 8 hours for the base game

customizable protag

1 male love interest

cute modern supernatural romance

twofold

Olive has 1 last chance to graduate college - pass a filler class. when their situation comes to light, 2 club presidents agree to help them but end up dragging them in the middle of their feud...

notes:

medium, around 15-20+ hours for both routes

nonbinary protagonist, 2 female love interests

modern slice-of-life, college setting

english voice acting

slay the princess

you're tasked with a simple goal - slay the princess, or else she'll destroy the world.

notes:

short to medium, around 10 hours for a full run

lots and lots and lots of branching paths

psychological horror, does contain gore

english voice acting

canvas menagerie

Niko is a trans man and lifelong actor who's been down on his luck until he gets the lead role in a major TV show. there, he starts to fall for his annoying celebrity costar.

well I wrote and drew and programmed this one by myself so I can't really give an indepth recommendation for it but I think it came out pretty nice and currently only has positive reviews. it's a comfy gay romance about actors.

notes:

medium length, around 10-12 hours

boys love romance

modern slice-of-life, adult cast

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note that most of the indie visual novels listed are also available on itchio as DRM-free versions. there's a ton of VNs on sale over there right now as well.

#visual novel #visual novels #game recs #game recommendations #reposting this every quarter is actually a great way for me to keep up with new steam titles I play #though not all of them end up on sale

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